When the Los Angeles Dodgers selected Charles Davalan with the 41st overall pick in the 2025 MLB Draft, it was a swing on skill, instincts, and potential upside. A 5-foot-9 outfielder out of Arkansas by way of Quebec and Florida Gulf Coast, Davalan is considered one of the best pure hitters in this year’s class — and possibly a steal, as CBS Sports’ R.J. Anderson noted: “If [the Dodgers] can tease more power out of Davalan’s bat, or if they can help him become more playable in center field, then he has a chance to go down as a great value pick.”
Dodgers MLB Draft Pick: Charles Davalan
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Strengths: Bat Speed, Contact, and Approach
Davalan’s game is built around elite contact skills. He hit .346/.433/.561 with 14 home runs, 35 walks, and only 27 strikeouts in 65 games for the Razorbacks. His 8.5% strikeout rate was among the lowest in the SEC, and his on-base skills suggest a potential future as a leadoff hitter at the pro level. He’s also a solid athlete with above-average speed and enough aggression on the bases to swipe bags and take extra bases when the opportunity arises.
Beyond the numbers, Davalan has embraced data and technology in his development. He worked with Arkansas coaches to analyze bat angles, adjust swing paths, and improve bat speed using weighted bats. “If you can combine [playing hard] with science and analytics, it’s the best combo,” he said.
Weaknesses: Power Ceiling and Defensive Fit
Despite improving his pop — 14 homers in 2025 — scouts remain split on whether Davalan can consistently drive the ball with wood bats. His struggles last summer in the Cape Cod League (.722 OPS, 1 HR in 21 games) highlighted those concerns. Defensively, his profile may be limited to left field or even second base due to a fringe-average arm and so-so reads in center.
Still, Davalan’s makeup, work ethic, and feel for hitting give him a chance to exceed expectations. “I like to win. I like to play hard,” he said. “And I’m sure that knowing the organization, it’s filled with players like that.”
In a system known for developing offensive talent, the Dodgers are betting that Davalan’s elite contact skills and coachability can blossom into something bigger.