Bio
Osvaldo Tovalin joins the Sioux City Explorers in the middle of his fourth professional season, looking for a fresh start. The 24-year-old corner infielder began the 2024 season in the St. Louis Cardinals organization, playing at both High-A Peoria and Double-A Springfield before being released midway through the year. In parts of three years in affiliated ball, he played in 305 games and hit .242 with 22 home runs and 165 RBI. A left-handed hitter with solid gap power and a steady glove, Tovalin brings a lot to the table as he begins his next chapter in Sioux City.
Tovalin appeared in 25 games in the Atlantic League this season, splitting time with the York Revolution and the Hagerstown Flying Boxcars. Across the two teams, he slashed .213/.253/.348 while slugging two home runs and knocking in ten runs. He also racked up four doubles and a triple.
He was originally selected by the Cardinals in the 10th round of the 2021 MLB Draft after an incredible career at Azusa Pacific University, one of the top Division II baseball programs in the country. During his senior season, he hit .387 with 15 home runs and 52 RBI in only 42 games. He was recognized as an ABCA/Rawlings All-American and earned a Gold Glove for his work at third base. By the time his college career wrapped up, Tovalin had more than 200 hits and a slugging percentage over .600, making him one of the most productive players to ever come through the Azusa Pacific program.
He made his pro debut in 2021 with the Palm Beach Cardinals in the Florida State League, where he hit .260 in 30 games. In 2022, he split the year between Palm Beach and Peoria and posted a combined 71 RBI over 110 games, along with nine home runs. He spent most of the 2023 season at Double-A Springfield, appearing in 117 games and finishing among the team leaders in doubles and RBI. Though the power numbers dipped slightly, he continued to show strong bat-to-ball skills and put together quality at-bats from the left side.
On defense, Tovalin has shown the ability to play both third and first base at a high level. He was a third baseman in college and made a smooth transition between the corners in pro ball. He’s known for having soft hands, a solid arm, and the ability to handle whatever’s thrown his way.
Originally from San Diego, California, Tovalin starred at Otay Ranch High School in Chula Vista, where he was an All-CIF San Diego Section selection. Baseball is in his blood as his older brothers Adrian and Alexandro also played professionally. Now with the Explorers, Tovalin is hungry for a new opportunity and eager to show he still has plenty of game left in him.