Image Source: MLB.com
Josue De Paula has quickly become one of the most intriguing young players in Major League Baseball, but the Los Angeles Dodgers rookie is not the only high-level athlete in his family. The 21-year-old outfielder is a third cousin of former NBA star Stephon Marbury, creating a surprising connection between two athletes who grew up in Brooklyn’s Coney Island.
De Paula was called up by the Dodgers on September 11, 2026, and immediately made an impression. In just 11 regular-season games, the highly touted prospect posted an impressive .323/.500/.581 slash line. He scored seven runs, drove in seven and showed remarkable plate discipline by drawing 11 walks compared with only five strikeouts.
Josue De Paula’s Explosive Dodgers Debut
The young hitter’s arrival came with significant pressure. The Dodgers are the reigning two-time champions and feature some of baseball’s biggest stars, including Shohei Ohtani. Despite the demanding environment, De Paula appeared comfortable at the plate and quickly became a major talking point around Dodgertown.
His first career home run, hit during a series in Miami, added another memorable moment to his rapid introduction. De Paula’s ability to control the strike zone stood out just as much as his power. Walking more than twice as often as he struck out in his first 11 games suggested that his success was built on patience rather than a brief hot streak alone.
As reported by MLB.com, the rookie has earned praise for staying composed, working hard and responding well to coaching. Those qualities have helped him make an immediate impact while adjusting to the speed and intensity of the Major Leagues.
A Powerful Family Connection to Stephon Marbury
Stephon Marbury told MLB.com that he and De Paula are third cousins. Marbury described the relationship in more detail as “my mother’s niece’s daughter’s son,” though both sides generally refer to De Paula as his “little cousin.”
Marbury understands the challenges of arriving on a major sports stage at a young age. He was selected fourth overall in the NBA Draft at 19 and became one of the most celebrated basketball players to emerge from New York City. His career later took him to China, where he became a basketball icon.
Now 49, Marbury has made a point of supporting De Paula from across the globe. He has promoted the young player, sent him messages and offered advice based on his own experience. His central message was simple: De Paula must be “the first one in and the last one out.”
Marbury also praised the rookie’s approach to the game, saying he stays in the batter’s box, remains patient, avoids hesitation and is coachable. Those traits could prove valuable as De Paula faces postseason pitching and the increased attention that comes with playing for the Dodgers.
From Coney Island to the Dominican Republic
De Paula grew up in Coney Island, surrounded by a family with deep basketball connections. Marbury was a prominent figure on his mother’s side, while Sebastian Telfair, another NBA point guard, was also part of the extended family.
However, De Paula followed a different athletic path. His father, Josue De Paula Sr., is Dominican and helped nurture his son’s passion for baseball. Around the age of 15, De Paula moved from Brooklyn to live with his father’s relatives in the Dominican Republic, allowing him to play baseball year-round.
That decision accelerated his development. Scouts began noticing his talent early, and conversations about a professional future soon followed. In 2022, De Paula signed with the Dodgers as an international free agent and steadily climbed the organization’s prospect rankings.
What Comes Next for the Dodgers Rookie?
De Paula’s first month in the Majors has created excitement, but the postseason will present a new challenge. Opposing teams will have more information about his swing, and playoff games bring a different level of intensity. Still, his early production and disciplined approach give the Dodgers a compelling young option.
Marbury, despite being a Yankees fan, said he plans to support his cousin by wearing a Los Angeles hat during the postseason. He joked that he owns a hat representing both Los Angeles and New York, but for De Paula, he is willing to back the Dodgers.
For De Paula, the support from his famous cousin adds an emotional layer to an already remarkable rise. From Coney Island and the Dominican Republic to a Dodgers lineup filled with superstars, his journey has become one of the most surprising stories of the 2026 MLB season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Josue De Paula?
Josue De Paula is a 21-year-old Dodgers outfielder and highly regarded baseball prospect who made his MLB debut in September 2026.
How is Josue De Paula related to Stephon Marbury?
De Paula and Marbury are third cousins. Marbury has referred to De Paula as his little cousin and has offered him support and advice.
What were De Paula’s first MLB statistics?
In 11 regular-season games, De Paula hit .323/.500/.581, scored seven runs, collected seven RBIs, walked 11 times and struck out five times.
When did Josue De Paula sign with the Dodgers?
De Paula signed with the Dodgers as an international free agent in 2022 after developing as a baseball player in the Dominican Republic.
