July 2, 2018: International Signings

[Deadpool]

Looks like we aren't registered on any of the other top30, too bad as we still have ~1.5M to spend.

 

Well, if they don't have anyone else targeted, they CAN use some of that money to sweeten up an Estrada/Happ/Whomever trade and get a better prospect package, if that makes more sense.

[Angrioter]

Texas signing Acuña little bro 450K.

 

Acuña signed for 100K and his Dad for 15K lol

Edited July 3, 2018 by Angrioter

[King]

Jays signed Willians Astudillo's cousin Wilfran Astudillo per Ben Badler

 

Venezuelan shortstop

[metafour]

Well, if they don't have anyone else targeted, they CAN use some of that money to sweeten up an Estrada/Happ/Whomever trade and get a better prospect package, if that makes more sense.

 

They are signing other players, guys that will be six-figure bonuses. OF Amell Brazoban and C Javier D'Orazio were two that we were connected to prior to today, and we just signed another kid.

[Krylian]

Jays also sign...

 

Gary David, c, Venezuela

Leo Callez, ss, Venezuela

Jorman Gonzalez, rhp, Venezuela

[Krylian]

Wilgenis Alvarado, lhp, Venezuela signs with the Blue Jays.

[Krylian]

Jays sign Javier Perdomo, lhp, Venezuela

[Boxcar]

Just like your dynasty teams

 

#3 record in DDL, top 3 team in BBDL my entire time there, playoffs in first year of BORED. How about you make the playoffs in one league before you talk trash and not look like an even bigger idiot.

[P2F]

Can someone please post BA's recent Top 50 article?

[L54]

#3 record in DDL, top 3 team in BBDL my entire time there, playoffs in first year of BORED. How about you make the playoffs in one league before you talk trash and not look like an even bigger idiot.

 

Rekt

[Spanky99]

Can someone please post BA's recent Top 50 article?

 

I checked earlier it was still from January... where's JFL19?

[Krylian]

I'll post it if you subsidize my subscription

[Jimcanuck]

Can someone please post BA's recent Top 50 article?

 

I can, but what top 50 article?

[jays4life19]

I checked earlier it was still from January... where's JFL19?

 

I have my subscription back in 7 days! It's been a dark few months without it.

[P2F]

I can, but what top 50 article?

 

This.

 

https://www.baseballamerica.com/rankings/2018-top-international-baseball-free-agent-prospects/

[Jimcanuck]

1

Victor Mesa

Cuba OF

Notes:

Born: July 20, 1996 | Ht: 5-11 | Wt: 185 | B-T: R-R

Scouting Report: Victor Mesa was one of the all-time great Cuban baseball players through the 1980s and ’90s, a career .317/.383/.502 hitter who ranks second all time in stolen bases (589) and 15th in home runs (273). After his playing career ended, Mesa managed both in Serie Nacional and for the Cuban national team. Now his son, who shares his name, is training in the Dominican Republic (along with his younger brother, outfielder Victor Mesa Jr.) to sign with a major league team. Mesa, who goes by “Victor Victor” (that was even the name on the back of his uniform in Cuba) is a premium athlete who hit well throughout the Cuban junior leagues and briefly in Serie Nacional at a young age, though he has been hampered by injuries, with a lot of similarities to Nationals center fielder Victor Robles. Mesa’s tools have long jumped out in center field, where he is an elite defender. Mesa is a plus-plus runner with a quick first step, getting good reads off the bat and taking precise angles to the ball. Mesa’s speed and instincts help him cover wide ranges of ground with a knack for racking up highlight-reel catches. He also has shown at least a 70 arm to nail runners and prevent them from taking extra bases. During the 2016-17 season in Cuba, Mesa batted .354/.399/.539 in 70 games, with more extra-base hits (27) than strikeouts (19) and 40 stolen bases in 50 attempts. Mesa has quick bat speed, an aggressive approach and has a chance to hit toward the top of a lineup. Mesa is training in the Dominican Republic, though he has yet to begin showcasing for teams. MLB has not yet declared him a free agent, so he won’t be signing immediately on July 2. Based on his present ability, Mesa could fit in at the high Class A or Double-A level right now.

 

2

Marco Luciano

Dominican Republic SS

Notes:

Born: Oct. 9, 2001 | Ht: 6-1 | Wt: 180 | B-T: R-R

Scouting Report: In a year that lacks a consensus top 16-year-old international prospect, Luciano has an exciting combination of offensive upside and athleticism, with a compact, explosive swing that produces effortless power. Luciano has strong hands, quick wrists and generates snappy bat speed, using his lower half well with good rhythm and swing path. He generates impressive torque in his swing and shows plus power to all fields. He does it both in batting practice and against live pitching, with home runs to his pull side and the opposite way in games. With broad shoulders on a lean, well-proportioned frame, Luciano has the physical projection to potentially develop 70 power. While some scouts had concerns about swing-and-miss tendencies they saw early on from Luciano, he has cut down on that and generally manages his at-bats well with a solid feel for the strike zone for his age. He is a good athlete with slightly above-average speed. Luciano grew up playing shortstop, but when he hit a growth spurt, his trainer moved him to the outfield. He spent eight months in the outfield, then in February 2017 moved back to shortstop. While some scouts still believe Luciano will outgrow shortstop and end up at either third base or right field, he handles himself well at shortstop for now. Luciano isn’t flashy but he fields his position cleanly, making the routine plays with a strong, accurate arm. Luciano trains with Ray Castillo and is expected to sign with the Giants for a bonus in the $2.5 million area.

 

VIDEO

3

Diego Cartaya

Venezuela C

Notes:

Born: Sept. 7, 2001 | Ht: 6-1 | Wt: 200 | B-T: R-R

Scouting Report: Cartaya has represented Venezuela at international tournaments since he was 10. That extensive game experience shows in the way he plays with a high baseball IQ well beyond his years, with a well-rounded skill set for a catcher. Cartaya projects to stick behind the plate with the potential to develop into an above-average defender. He has a plus arm and a quick exchange, with pop times in games in the low 1.9s. He blocks and receives pitches well for his age, showing good flexibility, agility and defensive instincts. Cartaya’s baseball acumen shows on both sides of the ball. He has a short, quick swing and focuses on driving the ball to center and right-center field in batting practice. He’s a polished hitter for his age with a sharp handle on the strike zone, recognizing pitches and not chasing much off the plate. Cartaya’s hitting ability and plate discipline should make him a high OBP catcher who can hit toward the top of a lineup. His power is mostly to the gaps now, but with his size, he could grow into average power once he gets stronger and gains a better awareness of which pitches he can turn on to drive with authority. While catching at the MLB international showcase in February, Cartaya reached out to receive a pitch in anticipation of throwing to second, but the batter’s swing struck him on the left elbow and he was wearing a sling after the game. He has since rehabbed and is back to normal catching and throwing again. The Dodgers are the favorites to sign Cartaya, who trains with Alexi Quiroz.

 

VIDEO

4

Noelvi Marte

Dominican Republic SS

Notes:

Born: Oct. 16, 2001 | Ht: 6-1 | Wt: 180 | B-T: R-R

Scouting Report: When the Dominican Prospect League brought its top players to Joliet, Illinois last summer, Marte and Marco Luciano stood out as the two best prospects there and two of the best prospects in the 2018 class, with scouts split on which player they preferred. Marte has a strong track record of hitting, getting on base and hitting for power in games. He has a smooth swing with good rhythm, loading with an aggressive leg kick along the lines of Jose Bautista last summer, though he has since toned that down, using his whole body to generate power. Marte has a fluid, easy stroke that’s compact and geared to get the ball elevated, although he can get pull-happy at times. Last summer, he also showed explosive bat speed and above-average raw power, but he hasn’t looked as electric in subsequent showings. Marte is a good athlete with plus speed underway, although given his body type, scouts aren’t sure how much of his speed he will retain. Marte has a strong arm and should get a chance to start his career at shortstop, but he will need to improve his hands and footwork, leading many scouts to believe he fits best at third base. Marte, who trains with Banana, is expected to sign for around $2 million, likely with the Mariners.

 

VIDEO

5

Osiel Rodriguez

Cuba RHP

Notes:

Born: Nov. 22, 2001 | Ht: 6-3 | Wt: 205 | B-T: R-R

Scouting Report: Rodriguez was the best Cuban pitcher in his age group before he left the country to sign with a major league club. As a 14-year-old pitching in Cuba’s 15U national league in 2016, Rodriguez ranked first in ERA (0.39) in 69 innings. He struck out 127 batters (third in the league) and walked 27. Later that year, Rodriguez won a gold medal pitching for Cuba in the 15U World Cup in Japan, where he posted a 1.50 ERA and a 14-3 K-BB mark in two starts. At that time, Rodriguez was a 6-foot, 165-pound 14-year-old throwing in the mid-80s, but he has since grown bigger, stronger and developed into a pitcher with an impressive combination of power and feel. He’s one of the hardest throwers in the class, reaching 96 mph. While his velocity has fluctuated, he typically sits around 90-94 mph with late finish in the zone. Rodriguez throws hard but frequently throws his slider, an out pitch that flashes plus and produces a lot of empty swings. Like a lot of Cuban pitchers, Rodriguez varies his arm slot intentionally, which causes his slider to have three-quarters break or criss-cross in and out of the strike zone. Rodriguez also shows feel for a splitter/changeup. Compared to Venezuelan righthander Richard Gallardo, Rodriguez has more of an unorthodox delivery and his arm action isn’t as clean, but he is a strike thrower with feel for pitching beyond his years. The Yankees are the favorites to sign Rodriguez, who is expected to land a bonus just north of $1 million.

 

VIDEO

6

Richard Gallardo

Venezuela RHP

Notes:

Born: Sept. 6, 2001 | Ht: 6-1 | Wt: 185 | B-T: R-R

Scouting Report: Gallardo pitched for Venezuela at the 15U World Cup in Japan in 2016, then over the next two years broke out to establish himself as the top 2018 pitcher in the country and for some scouts the top pitcher in the entire class. Gallardo dazzled at the MLB international showcase in February, striking out six of the seven batters he faced. Gallardo has an impressive blend of present stuff, future projection, feel for pitching and ease of operation. He has one of the best fastballs in the class, pitching at 89-93 mph, with late life up in the zone to miss bats. He has the arm speed and physical upside to throw harder in the next few years. Gallardo throws a curveball from 70-75 mph that flashes as a plus pitch with sharp break and good rotation. He complements high quality stuff with advanced strike-throwing ability and fastball command for his age. Between his stuff, control and easy delivery, Gallardo has all the attributes to project as a starter, with a strong frame that bodes well for his durability. The Cubs are expected to sign Gallardo, who trains with Andres Veliz.

 

VIDEO

7

Orelvis Martinez

Dominican Republic SS

Notes:

Born: Nov. 19, 2001 | Ht: 5-11 | Wt: 180 | B-T: R-R

Scouting Report: While it remains to be seen what happens with Cuban outfielder Victor Mesa, the top signing bonus this year for a 16-year-old international player is expected to go to Martinez, who is projected to sign with the Blue Jays for more than $3 million. Martinez trains with Rudy Santin, whose program last year produced the No. 1 international prospect for 2017, Wander Franco, a switch-hitting Dominican shortstop who consistently dominated at the plate. Martinez isn’t at Franco’s level—there isn’t one 2018 hitter from the Dominican Republic who has clearly separated himself with overwhelming performance—but Martinez stood out for his ability to drive the ball with impact from an early age. Martinez starts his swing with the bat wrapped behind his head, which adds extra length for the barrel to travel, but he has quick hands and keeps them inside the ball well. He has a calm, relaxed swing that generates loft and easy power from right-center field over to his pull side, with the physical projection to develop plus power. Martinez has shown solid game performance in terms of both hitting ability and power, though some scouts have reservations about the adjustability of his swing. Martinez might begin his career at shortstop, but he projects better at third base. A slightly below-average runner, Martinez has soft hands and a strong arm, but he’s a physical player who could grow to 220-230 pounds, with his range better suited for third.

 

VIDEO

8

Gabriel Rodriguez

Venezuela SS

Notes:

Born: Feb. 22, 2002 | Ht: 6-2 | Wt: 175 | B-T: R-R

Scouting Report: Rodriguez is one of the most talented hitters in the class, with a long track record of hitting in games, including last year as Venezuela’s shortstop at the COPABE 15U Pan American Championships in Colombia. Rodriguez has a short, simple swing that’s balanced, direct and efficient. He a mature hitting approach, tracking pitches well with good strike-zone discipline and the ability to use the whole field. Rodriguez has a chance to develop into a plus hitter, with emerging power as well over the last year as his strength has increased. His raw power is near average now, with a chance to develop into a 20-homer hitter. Rodriguez has the ability to stay at shortstop for now, though many scouts project him to eventually slide over to third base. Rodriguez has a strong arm, good body control and his defensive mechanics are sound, but his first-step quickness and lateral agility will need to improve to stay at the position. Whether his future is at shortstop or third base, his offensive production projects well at either spot, and he earns widespread praise as a baseball rat. Rodriguez trains with Javier Mendoza and is expected to sign with the Indians.

 

VIDEO

9

Francisco Alvarez

Venezuela C

Notes:

Born: Nov. 19, 2001 | Ht: 5-11 | Wt: 190 | B-T: R-R

Scouting Report: As a little kid in Venezuela, Alvarez used to tag along with his father and help him carry around bags of concrete at his job as a construction worker. He has grown into a strong, physically mature player for his age with one of the best offensive performance records in the 2018 class. Alvarez has a stout, stocky frame, with big feet, strong hands and forearms. He has a long track record of being one of the top hitters everywhere he has played, including against older competition. Alvarez has a short, explosive stroke that produces above-average raw power, with the power translating in games. He has an advanced hitting approach for his age, driving the ball well to the middle of the field and the opposite way. His ability to track pitches well enables him to let the ball travel deep before making a decision to swing. Alvarez moves surprisingly well underway given his blocky build, with a tick below-average speed. The biggest risk factor scouts point to with Alvarez is his defense. He has above-average arm strength that doesn’t always play up to its full grade but should with more experience. His receiving and lateral agility will need the most work, leaving some scouts with concerns about his ability to stick behind the plate. Others think he has the attributes to remain a catcher and just needs experience to learn to slow the game down. The Mets are the frontrunners to land Alvarez, who trains with Javier Mendoza.

 

VIDEO

10

Misael Urbina

Venezuela OF

Notes:

Born: April 26, 2002 | Ht: 5-11 | Wt: 170 | B-T: R-R

Scouting Report: Urbina is expected to be the top-paid player this year from Venezuela, with the Twins likely to sign him. While other position players ahead of Urbina will likely switch positions down the road, Urbina projects to stick at a premium position. An energetic, high-intensity player, Urbina is an athletic center fielder with plus speed and good range. He works diligently on his defense has strong instincts for his age in center field. Urbina gets good jumps off the bat with clean routes to the ball, good closing speed and a tick below-average arm. Urbina’s bat drew a split camp among scouts. He does have good bat speed and, even though he’s not that big, puts a surprising charge into the ball, flashing occasional over-the-fence power to his pull side during batting practice. Scouts highest on Urbina have seen him perform well in games with a compact swing, though others didn’t see the same level of performance and had concerns about his swing path. Urbina is represented by Yasser Mendez.

[Jimcanuck]

11

Jairo Pomares

Cuba OF

Notes:

Born: Aug. 4, 2000 | Ht: 6-1 | Wt: 185 | B-T: L-R

Scouting Report: Pomares played in Cuba’s 15U national league in 2015, when he ranked sixth in the league in batting average by hitting .383/.447/.533 with 16 walks and just six strikeouts in 141 plate appearances. Now a 17-year-old in the Dominican Republic, Pomares has a large, athletic frame with promising offensive upside and a pretty swing from the left side. It’s a fluid stroke that’s quick, compact and efficient, producing a high contact rate in games. Pomares has natural, easy hitting actions, with good rhythm and timing in the box to go with a solid idea of the strike zone for his age. Pomares shows over-the-fence power in batting practice, though in games his swing is more geared for line drives than loft, with the potential for average power. Pomares is a good athlete who has shown plus speed underway in the 60-yard dash. When Pomares played in Cuba in 2015, he mostly played left field with a little bit of time in right field as well. With an average arm, Pomares has the speed for center field and scouts highest on him thought he could play there, though others thought his defensive instincts were better suited for a corner. The Giants are expected to sign Pomares, with a bonus likely around $1 million.

 

VIDEO

12

Alvin Guzman

Dominican Republic OF

Notes:

Born: Oct. 20, 2001 | Ht: 6-1 | Wt: 165 | B-T: R-R

Scouting Report: Guzman, who trains with Alfredo Arias, sticks out for his bouncy athleticism and highly projectable body type at a premium position. He has a lean build with a high waist and plenty of space to fill out and add strength to a physically underdeveloped build. He has plus speed and good defensive instincts to stick in center field, along with a plus arm that could get stronger once he puts on weight. Guzman isn’t raw at the plate, but he does stand out more for his athleticism than his pure hitting ability. When he’s locked in, he can hit hard line drives all over the field with the power to drive the ball over the fence to his pull side, but he has a quick front hip with his shoulder flying open early, which gets his swing out of sync and disrupts his balance. His athleticism should help him make adjustments, while getting stronger should help him with the consistency of his mechanics. Guzman is expected to sign with the D-backs, with a bonus likely in the $2 million range.

 

VIDEO

13

Alejandro Pie

Dominican Republic SS

Notes:

Born: Jan. 31, 2002 | Ht: 6-4 | Wt: 175 | B-T: R-R

Scouting Report: Pie has a different look as a shortstop with a tall, rangy body type along the lines of Mets shortstop Ronny Mauricio, who signed last year for $2.1 million. In part because of his body type, Pie draws a range of future projections from scouts. Pie is an athletic shortstop with plus speed and a plus arm. Even though he’s tall and skinny, Pie has good body control in the field. In MLB’s Dominican national showcase in November, Pie made several nice defensive plays that showed good hands and instincts, ranging well to both sides and charging in on the ball. Pie has a good internal clock, knowing when to be quick and when to slow things down. Pie should get a chance to stay at shortstop, though center field could be another option, while some scouts think once he fills out he projects better at third base or right field. At the plate, Pie has generally performed well in games, with solid bat speed and the ability to hammer fastballs. However, curveballs have given him a lot of trouble, and he will have to improve his selectivity at the plate to reduce his swing-and-miss rate. With his physical projection, Pie could grow into average to plus power. Pie isn’t as advanced as Mauricio but he’s expected to be compensated similarly, with the Rays the favorites. He trains with Astin Jacobo.

 

VIDEO

14

Antonio Gomez

Venezuela C

Notes:

Born: Nov. 13, 2001 | Ht: 6-2 | Wt: 205 | B-T: R-R

Scouting Report: Gomez has the tools to be a top-tier defensive catcher. It starts with his arm, a 70 tool on the 20-80 scale. Between his outstanding arm strength, quick feet and ability to get rid of the ball in a hurry, Gomez regularly produces pop times below 1.9 seconds, which is elite for a major league catcher, getting down to the high 1.7s and low 1.8s. At the MLB international showcase in February, Gomez threw out four runners, including one with a pop time of 1.83 seconds and another from he knees with a 1.91 second pop time. Gomez does need to improve his receiving, but that should develop with experience. Offensively, Gomez hasn’t shown the same polish as Diego Cartaya or raw power of Francisco Alvarez, but he has shown a promising balance of hitting ability and emerging power for a catcher. Early on, Gomez didn’t stand out at the plate, but since then he has shown solid bat-to-ball skills, squaring up premium velocity and using the whole field. Gomez had gap power coming into the year, but he has shown more extra-base sock especially toward right-center field this year. Gomez hits with an upright stance, so there could be more power to unlick once he incorporates his lower half more into his swing. The Yankees are the frontrunners to sign Gomez, who is represented by Felix Luzon.

 

VIDEO

15

Kevin Alcantara

Dominican Republic OF

Notes:

Born: July 12, 2002 | Ht: 6-5 | Wt: 175 | B-T: R-R

Scouting Report: Alcantara has a tall, sleek, athletic frame, with a promising combination of size and tools from a player who could stick at a premium position. Alcantara is a plus-plus runner with long strides and good closing speed in center field, along with a 55 arm. He’s a diligent worker on his defense, using BP to work on his reads and run down balls off the bat, and it translates into good outfield instincts for his age. There aren’t many 6-foot-5 center fielders in the big leagues, and while Alcantara could lose a step as he fills out his long, lanky build, if he can maintain plus speed he could stick in center field along the lines of Dexter Fowler. Scouts highest on Alcantara have seen him hit well in games. Others saw a long swing, and like most young, long-armed hitters, Alcantara does have holes that he will require adjustments as he matures. Alcantara has the power to drive the ball over the fence to his pull side right now, though he can get himself into trouble when he tries to sell out for power. The Yankees are the favorites to sign Alcantara, who trains with Jose Offerman, once he turns 16 on July 2, with an expected price around $1 million.

 

VIDEO

16

Starlyn Castillo

Dominican Republic RHP

Notes:

Born: Feb. 24, 2002 | Ht: 5-11 | Wt: 210 | B-T: R-R

Scouting Report: Generally, the top 16-year-old pitching prospects in the Dominican Republic are wiry, athletic pitchers with quick arm speed and the potential to throw harder once they fill out. Castillo is different. While he’s not that tall, Castillo is built like a young linebacker with a physically mature frame, a wide back, strong legs and little physical projection remaining. He’s also the hardest thrower his age in the Dominican Republic and one of the hardest throwers in the 2018 class, with a fastball that reached 97 mph shortly before his 16th birthday when he pitched in the MLB international showcase in February. and struck out four of the nine batters he faced. His fastball sat at 92-96 mph that day, up a bit from where it had been previously. Between that event and the MLB Dominican national showcase in November, Castillo struck out seven of the 17 batters he faced. Castillo’s fastball alone is enough to overpower most hitters his age. He’s more than just a thrower, flashing feel for a power breaking ball and a solid changeup at times, though they are both inconsistent and disappear on him at times. His control is the same, as he’s a solid strike-thrower sometimes but can be erratic at others when he flies open with his front side. Castillo hasn’t shown the same level of pitchability as fellow 2018 righthanders Osiel Rodriguez and Richard Gallardo, and while he doesn’t match Cuban righthander Sandy Gaston’s pure velocity, Castillo throws more strikes and has better secondary stuff than Gaston. Castillo is projected to be the top-paid Dominican pitcher this year with a bonus likely around $1.5 million. He trains with Mejia and is expected to sign with the Phillies.

 

VIDEO

17

Jose de la Cruz

Dominican Republic OF

Notes:

Born: Jan. 3, 2002 | Ht: 6-0 | Wt: 195 | B-T: R-R

Scouting Report: An athletic outfielder with a strong, compact build, De la Cruz has some of the best tools in the class. While his body type looks more like a corner outfielder, de la Cruz has plus speed underway and reads the ball well off the bat in center field. If de la Cruz can retain his speed, he should be able to play center field, though if not his plus arm would fit comfortably in right field. While de la Cruz shows good instincts in the outfield, he hasn’t shown the same at the plate. While some scouts who followed de la Cruz early in the process said they did see him hit well in games, more recently he has shown high swing-and-miss tendencies, on fastballs in and out of the strike zone as well as offspeed stuff. While de la Cruz will have to make adjustments at the plate with his timing and contact, he has plenty of bat speed and strength in his swing. While there is some stiffness to his stroke, when he connects he makes loud, quality contact and drives the ball well to the middle of the field, with a chance to grow into plus power. De la Cruz trains with El Niche and is expected to sign for close to $2 million, with the Tigers the frontrunners.

 

VIDEO

18

Omar Florentino

Dominican Republic SS

Notes:

Born: Oct. 26, 2001 | Ht: 5-9 | Wt: 145 | B-T: B-R

Scouting Report: Florentino has a smaller stature but is a skilled player with good actions at the plate and in the field. Florentino has a lively, athletic frame and hits from both sides of the plate with a swing that’s quick, simple and efficient with fast bat speed. He has good hand-eye coordination and makes frequent contact. Florentino is mostly a singles hitter right now with a line-drive focus, occasionally putting a surprising charge into the ball. He has a smaller strike zone and usually does a good job of not expanding it by chasing. Florentino is a solid-average runner with a good chance to stick at shortstop. He’s a smooth defender with a quick first step, nimble footwork, soft hands and a quick transfer to a strong arm, although there are some scouts who think he might end up at second base. Players with Florentino’s size don’t typically command top-tier signing bonuses, although several scouts were high on Florentino for his game polish on both sides of the ball while playing a premium position. Florentino trains with Wellington Gonzalez and is expected to sign with the Royals.

 

VIDEO

19

Juan Guerrero

Dominican Republic SS

Notes:

Born: Sept. 10, 2001 | Ht: 6-1 | Wt: 160 | B-T: R-R

Scouting Report: Guerrero is a well-rounded player who has performed well in games. In batting practice, Guerrero loads up his swing with a deep leg kick, then in games switches back and forth between the leg kick and a quick heel turn. Regardless of which approach Guerrero takes with his lower half mechanics, he has a knack for being on time with good rhythm and the barrel accuracy to consistently find the sweet spot for hard contact in games. Guerrero doesn’t put on a big show in BP, but he drives the ball with authority in games, striking hard line drives around the field with extra-base thump and pull-side power that should continue to grow once he fills out his projectable frame. He shows a solid idea of the strike zone as well. Guerrero has the hands and defensive actions to stay in the infield, and some scouts felt he was a true shortstop with good instincts and athleticism. Others thought he would fit better at second or third base, while some thought he could be a fit in center field with a tick above-average speed underway. The Rockies are expected to sign Guerrero, who trains with Policar and Juan Rodriguez.

 

VIDEO

20

Eduardo Lopez

Dominican Republic OF

Notes:

Born: May 8, 2002 | Ht: 5-11 | Wt: 170 | B-T: B-R

Scouting Report: There are other outfielders in the Dominican Republic with louder tools, but Lopez is one of the best hitters and more skillful players in the country. Lopez is a switch-hitter with a smooth, fluid stroke from both sides. His swing is simple and compact, and with Lopez’s bat control and hand-eye coordination, he seldom swings and misses. He tracks pitches well and has good strike-zone judgment, with a selective approach to work himself into favorable counts and the discipline to lay off close pitches. Lopez is a line-drive hitter with doubles pop, and given his build, his offensive game will likely be built around his ability to get on base more than power. While Lopez is a talented hitter, his below-average speed might be short for center field, so going to a corner would place greater demands on his power developing. Given his youth and physically underdeveloped frame, it’s possible that Lopez’s speed and 40-45 arm could still tick up, and he does have strong defensive instincts with good reads and routes. Lopez, who trains with Aldo Marrero, is likely to sign for a bonus in the $1.5 million area, with the Red Sox the favorites.

 

VIDEO

21

Junior Sanquintin

Dominican Republic SS

Notes:

Born: Jan. 8, 2002 | Ht: 6-0 | Wt: 185 | B-T: B-R

Scouting Report: While Sanquintin might not stay at shortstop for long, it’s his offensive potential that is the draw for scouts. He has fast bat speed from both sides of the plate and has flashed average raw power. There’s strength in his swing and he drives the ball with impact when he finds the barrel. Scouts highest on Sanquintin saw strong game performance from him last summer, although at MLB showcases he did have a high swing-and-miss rate, on pitches in and out of the strike zone. He’s an aggressive hitter who will have to make adjustments to take a more selective approach against better pitching. Sanquintin might start his career at shortstop but doesn’t figure to stay there much longer. Hitting comes more naturally to Sanquintin than defense, and while some scouts have questions on whether he will end up in an outfield corner, his fielding has improved over the past year. With more development, he has a chance to play third base. The Indians are the favorites to sign Sanquintin, with a bonus likely coming in a little above $1 million. He trains with Wilkin Ramirez and Jaime Ramos.

 

VIDEO

22

Abraham Calzadilla

Venezuela RHP

Notes:

Born: Dec. 12, 2001 | Ht: 6-1 | Wt: 165 | B-T: R-R

Scouting Report: Calzadilla has a starter profile, with an encouraging blend of stuff and pitching savvy for his age. Calzadilla was one of the standout pitching prospects at the MLB international showcase in February in the Dominican Republic, where he struck out four of the eight batters he faced. He threw his fastball 88-91 mph there, and while pitching in Venezuela, he has topped out at 92 mph. It’s a big fastball for a 16-year-old and he throws it for strikes to both sides of the plate. His curveball flashes as an average pitch already with the potential to develop into a true out pitch, showing tight rotation and good depth to catch hitters off balance. While Calzadilla’s curveball is his best offspeed pitch, he shows feel for a low-80s changeup, giving him the potential for three average or better pitches. Some scouts saw bouts of inconsistent control, but Calzadilla has generally shown polished pitchability for his age with good results in games, along with the body control and athleticism to repeat his mechanics and field his position well. Calzadilla trains with Robert Perez and is expected to sign with the D-backs.

 

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Jerming Rosario

Dominican Republic RHP

Notes:

Born: May 8, 2002 | Ht: 6-2 | Wt: 160 | B-T: R-R

Scouting Report: Many of the best pitching prospects in the game today who are from the Dominican Republic signed for small bonuses. It’s difficult to know which pitchers will see their velocity spike, stay healthy and remain in the starting rotation. Rosario separates himself from his peers is the Dominican Republic as an athletic righthander with the arrow pointing in the right direction on his stuff, possessing the attributes to project as a starter with a three-pitch mix and solid strike-throwing ability. Rosario throws 88-91 mph, with quick arm speed and plenty of space left on his skinny, projectable frame to fill out and throw harder. Rosario’s 79-82 mph changeup is advanced for his age, throwing off the balance and timing of opposing hitters. He sells it well by repeating his arm speed, with good action and separation off his fastball. His curveball is inconsistent, but at its best it shows sharp bite and good depth. The Dodgers are likely to sign Rosario for a bonus in the mid six figures. He trains with Franklin Ferreras.

 

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Sandy Gaston

Cuba RHP

Notes:

Born: Dec. 16, 2001 | Ht: 6-3 | Wt: 205 | B-T: R-R

Scouting Report: When Gaston pitched in Cuba’s 15U national league in 2016, his 1.22 ERA ranked third in the league, trailing only fellow 2018 righthander Osiel Rodriguez and Astros righthander Franny Cobos. Gason struck out 77 and walked 27 over 66.1 innings that season. When he moved up to the country’s 18U league the next year, he posted a 47-46 K-BB mark in 47 innings with a 5.55 ERA, a shaky showing albeit from a 15-year-old pitching in an 18U league. Since leaving Cuba, Gaston has added an extra gear to his stuff to become the hardest thrower in the 2018 class. At the MLB international showcase in February, Gaston sat at 94-96 mph and reached 97. He has thrown even harder than that, reaching 100 mph in May. That is uncanny velocity for his age and makes him one of the hardest throwing 16-year-old pitchers ever. The question is whether Gaston will develop else beyond high-octane velocity. He throws a slider, a curveball, a changeup and a splitter, but he lacks feel for his secondary stuff to be able to miss bats with them. One of the biggest concerns among Gaston is his control. Gaston has a long arm stroke, and while some scouts who have seen him recently said his delivery looked more under control, he has been prone to extreme wildness. Gaston isn’t as big as Marlins righthander Tyler Kolek, but he has a lot of similarities to the No. 2 overall pick in the 2014 draft. The Marlins are the favorites to sign Gaston, whose bonus is expected to push close to $3 million.

 

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Alexander Ramirez

Dominican Republic OF

Notes:

Born: Aug. 29, 2002 | Ht: 6-2 | Wt: 180 | B-T: R-R

Scouting Report: To be eligible to sign during the 2018-19 signing period, a player has to turn 16 by Aug. 31. Ramirez will be eligible to sign when he turns on Aug. 29, which makes him one of the youngest players in the 2018 class and only a few days away from being a 2019 player. Ramirez has a strong build with good bat speed and an aggressive swing that stays on plane throughout the hitting zone. While Ramirez doesn’t have one standout, carrying tool, scouts highest on him believe in his hitting ability. Ramirez has performed well in games and hit well against quality pitching. While he will chase high fastballs at times, he generally manages his at-bats well with a good offensive approach. He’s strong for his age and has the power to take the ball over the fence to his pull side, with the potential for average power. A hard-nosed player, Ramirez is an average runner with an unorthodox running gait. Given how young Ramirez is, there are some scouts think he might get faster, but several others think he’s best suited in an outfield corner with an average arm. The Angels are the frontrunners to sign Ramirez once he becomes eligible, likely for a bonus around $1 million.

[Jimcanuck]

26

Malcom Nunez

Cuba 3B

Notes:

Born: March 9, 2001 | Ht: 5-11 | Wt: 205 | B-T: R-R

Scouting Report: Nunez was a standout slugger when he played in Cuba’s youth national leagues. In the country’s 15U league in 2016, Nunez batted .412/.592/.578 with 46 walks and nine strikeouts in 152 plate appearances. He led the league in walks (including a league-high 21 intentional walks), ranked third in OBP and seventh in slugging. After the season ended, Nunez went to Japan to play for Cuba in the U-15 World Cup, where he earn all-star honors at third base after hitting .667/.750/.741 (18-for-27 with nine walks and one strikeout), leading the tournament in batting average, OBP and stolen bases (7-for-7). Nunez has a strong track record, though he’s not a pure hitter, with more of a power-first profile. He has stood out for his advanced physicality from a young age, looking like a man among boys, producing a mature tool set with his power, arm strength and bad speed. Nunez has plus raw power and can crush the ball with high exit velocity when he gets his arms extended, especially on the outer third, though there is some length to his swing where his hands shoot away from his body, leaving him vulnerable inside. He has mostly shown a sound idea of the strike zone as well. Nunez’s best tool on defense is his plus arm. He reads the ball well off the bat and picks it well on his backhand, but he isn’t a fluid defender. Nunez will have to improve his footwork and agility to be able to stay at third base and avoid a move either to first base or a corner outfield spot. The Cardinals have been linked to Nunez.

 

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Jose Lopez

Dominican Republic OF

Notes:

Born: Jan. 4, 2002 | Ht: 5-11 | Wt: 165 | B-T: L-R

Scouting Report: Lopez has the tools and quick-twitch athleticism to play center field. He’s a plus runner with good range and an above-average arm. At the plate, Lopez has good bat speed and drive balls with high exit velocity when his timing is right and he catches the barrel. What sticks out the most about Lopez, though, are his unorthodox hitting mechanics. His swing has a big hitch, as Lopez loads by starting his hands at his shoulder, dropping them to his obliques, then shooting them back up above his head before unleashing the bat head forward. It’s a red flag that leaves Lopez vulnerable on the inner third of the plate, so professional coaches will likely try to simplify his hand movement. Scouts highest on Lopez believe he has the athleticism to make the adjustments and a knack for hitting, with a good idea for being selective at the plate for his age. Lopez trains with Fausto Garcia and is linked to the Cubs, who are likely to sign Lopez for a bonus in the $1.5 million area.

 

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Eduarqui Fernandez

Dominican Republic OF

Notes:

Born: Nov. 20, 2001 | Ht: 6-2 | Wt: 175 | B-T: R-R

Scouting Report: Fernandez has a lean, athletic build and a chance to develop five average or better tools once he adds strength to his projectable frame. Fernandez has a good balance of size and athleticism, with slightly above-average speed and a good running gait. He projects as a center fielder, reading the ball well well off the bat with good jumps and defensive instincts to go with an above-average arm. Fernandez is a line-drive hitter with gap power that should jump once he gets stronger. He went 3-for-5 with a triple at the MLB Dominican national showcase in November, but several scouts said they saw more swing-and-miss tendencies and risk in his bat evaluating him over the course of the scouting process. Like fellow Dominican outfielder Jose de la Cruz, Fernandez’s tools stand out more than his pure hitting ability, though de la Cruz ranks ahead of him because his tools are louder. Fernandez, who trains with Jaime Ramos, is expected to sign with the Brewers for a bonus north of $1 million.

 

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Freddy Valdez

Dominican Republic OF

Notes:

Born: Dec. 6, 2001 | Ht: 6-3 | Wt: 210 | B-T: R-R

Scouting Report: Valdez jumped out early in the scouting process for his size and power. He’s one of the most physical players in the class, with his game built around his strength and physical maturity. His best tool is his raw power, which should become at least a plus tool. Valdez has a power-over-hit offensive profile. When Valdez keeps everything in sync, he can drive the ball with authority, something he did early in the scouting process. However, there is length to his swing and he doesn’t have natural rhythm or timing, which results in off-balance swings and strikeouts, especially with his aggressive, pull-heavy approach. Valdez has an above-average arm that fits in right field. Valdez is a big man but has thin ankles and moves fairly well underway, showing surprising footwork and agility in the outfield, although he’s still a below-average runner. Depending how big he gets, there’s some risk Valdez could go to first base, where he would be a big target and already shows a knack for scooping balls, but he’s athletic enough right now to play the outfield, showing good reads and routes at the MLB international showcase in February. He could end up developing into a player along the lines of Padres outfielder Franmil Reyes. The Mets are expected to sign Valdez, who trains with Mejia, for a bonus likely in the $1.5 million range.

 

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Ryson Polonius

Curacao SS

Notes:

Born: Sept. 24, 2001 | Ht: 6-0 | Wt: 140 | B-T: L-R

Scouting Report: When Ozzie Albies showed up to the MLB international showcase in 2013 before signing with the Braves that year for $350,000, he was a 5-foot-7, 133-pound shortstop out of Curacao with good speed and bat control but minimal strength on a skin-and-bones frame. This year in Curacao, there are twin brothers—Ryson and Rainer Polonius—who are taller than Albies but have skeletal builds with quick-twitch athleticism and speed at shortstop. While Rainer showed better bat control in games at the MLB international showcase in February, most scouts Baseball America asked gave the edge right now to Ryson. He’s a plus runner who ran the 60-yard dash in 6.61 seconds at the MLB showcase and also pulled a 94 mph fastball for a single to right field. Polonius has a quick bat and a swing geared for line drives and putting the ball on the ground, with mostly singles and occasional doubles power. He fields his position well with a quick first step off the bat, good hands and a solid arm. The biggest need for Polonius is to get stronger, which should enhance his game in all facets over the next few years after he signs.

 

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Rainer Polonius

Curacao SS

Notes:

Born: Sept. 24, 2001 | Ht: 6-0 | Wt: 137 | B-T: L-R

Scouting Report: For a country with a population of around 160,000, Curacao has been a relatively prolific source of middle infield talent, with Andrelton Simmons, Didi Gregorius, Ozzie Albies, Jonathan Schoop and Jurickson Profar all playing in the big leagues this year. This year Curacao has Ryson and Rainer Polonius, identical twins who are both quick-burst, athletic shortstops. Rainer Polonius has a quick lefthanded swing, and while he does have a tendency to roll his wrists over, he has shown good bat control and a patient hitting approach. He lacks much of any strength, and while he can occasionally drive a ball with surprising carry, most of the balls he puts in play are shallow line drives. His best tool is his plus speed. He ran the 60-yard dash in 6.74 seconds at the MLB international showcase in February, a tick below his brother’s time. Polonius is a good athlete, though his arm might be better suited for second base, although his throws (like many other aspects of his game) could improve once he gains weight. With his speed, center field is another possibility. Polonius is a smart, high-energy player whose biggest need is to get stronger, as he and his brother are physically further behind their peers from the Dominican Republic and Venezuela.

 

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Fernando Ortega

Dominican Republic RHP

Notes:

Born: Oct. 10, 2001 | Ht: 6-4 | Wt: 160 | B-T: R-R

Scouting Report: Ortega has a tall, skinny build that screams projection. He already throws 87-91 mph and has topped out at 93 mph. With Ortega’s loose arm action, quick arm speed and room to add another 50 pounds or more, he could reach the upper-90s eventually. Ortega has a good assortment of offspeed pitches as well. He throws his curveball in the mid-70s with sharp break, good shape and tight rotation. When he snaps it right out front, it can be a putaway pitch. Ortega’s low-80s changeup is also advanced for his age. It’s inconsistent but it has good fade, with the confidence to throw it to both lefties and righties. With three pitches that have a chance to be average or better in the future, Ortega has the arsenal of a starter. His control, however, will have to improve. Similar to a lot of long, lanky, physically underdeveloped young pitchers, Ortega has trouble repeating his delivery to throw from a consistent release point, so at times his control escapes him. Just getting stronger should help somewhat with Ortega’s ability to keep his mechanics together better and throw more strikes. Ortega trains with Chapita and is expected to sign with a Phillies for a bonus just north of $500,000.

 

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Warming Bernabel

Dominican Republic SS

Notes:

Born: June 6, 2002 | Ht: 6-1 | Wt: 185 | B-T: R-R

Scouting Report: Dominican shortstop Miguel Hiraldo, who signed with the Blue Jays last year for $750,000, was one of the top hitters in the 2017 class, though the scouting consensus was that he would eventually have to change positions. Hiraldo trained with Mon, whose program this year has Bernabel, one of the better game hitters in the 2018 class and another position change candidate. Bernabel doesn’t have the same quick-twitch explosion in his hands or raw power that Hiraldo showed last year, but he does have a mature hitting approach for his age. He sets up with a wide base, no stride and takes a short path to the ball with good bat-to-ball skills. He’s a patient hitter who tracks pitches well, working the count in his favor and draw walks to get on base. Bernabel has a line-drive approach with doubles power. Bernabel just turned 16 in June, so more extra-base sock should come with physical maturity, while adding more rhythm and separation to his swing could help unlock more power. That will be important, since Bernabel will probably end up at another position. He’s a below-average runner who lacks the first-step quickness and defensive actions ideal for a shortstop, with several scouts believing he will slide over to third base. The Rockies are expected to sign Bernabel, likely for a similar bonus to Hiraldo.

 

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Fernando Villalobos

Mexico C

Notes:

Born: June 24, 2002 | Ht: 6-0 | Wt: 195 | B-T: L-R

Scouting Report: Villalobos was the only Mexican prospect who participated in MLB’s international showcase in the Dominican Republic in February. He’s not at the level of top 2018 catchers Diego Cartaya, Francisco Alvarez and Antonio Gomez, but he has shown a promising offensive skill set from the left side of the plate. Villalobos has a simple, balanced and efficient swing. He has good rhythm and hitting actions, using his hands well at the plate to get the barrel into the hitting zone quickly and staying on plane for a long time. He stays through the ball well and uses the whole field, taking a line-drive approach with doubles power. Villalobos runs well for a catcher with a tick below-average speed, though he should slow down with more physical maturity. Villalobos is a former pitcher and third baseman making the transition to catcher. His hands should work behind the plate, but he will need to improve his receiving technique. He has an average arm, with pop times in the 2.0 to 2.1 second range. Villalobos is with the Mexico City Red Devils and is expected to sign with the Brewers. In late June, the commissioner’s office informed clubs that they are not allowed to sign Mexican League players, which means as of now, Villalobos won’t be able to sign right away on July 2.

 

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Sergio Campana

Dominican Republic OF

Notes:

Born: March 29, 2002 | Ht: 6-1 | Wt: 165 | B-T: R-R

Scouting Report: Campana is the younger brother of Marino Campana, a 20-year-old corner outfielder with the Red Sox playing with low Class A Greenville. Sergio Campana is an athletic center fielder who shows flashes of promise but with roller-coaster performance. He has a prototype build for a center fielder, with a lean, angular frame with plenty of space to hold good weight and strength. Campana has quick-burst actions with plus speed and a good gait in center field, where he fields his position well with a below-average arm. Campana has quick hands, fast bat speed and a compact swing, with gap power now and the potential to develop average or better power down the road. Campana has certain attributes that should be conducive to hitting well, but his hitting ran hot and cold when scouts saw him in games. When he went to Illinois last summer with the Dominican Prospect League, Campana went 0-for-6 and struck out five times, though after that trip he hit well at the COPABE 15U Pan American Championships in Colombia, where he batted .364 (8-for-22) with two home runs, three walks and two strikeouts. At this point the Pirates appear to be the most likely landing spot for Campana, who trains with Banana.

 

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Jose Rodriguez

Venezuela C

Notes:

Born: Oct. 5, 2001 | Ht: 6-0 | Wt: 185 | B-T: L-R

Scouting Report: Rodriguez is a difficult player to evaluate. The Rangers scouted him aggressively and are expected to sign him for one of the top bonuses in the 2018 class,. Several scouts haven’t had an opportunity to see him much, and those who did—Rodriguez played in an MLB showcase last year in July and went to one of the two days of MLB’s international showcase in the Dominican Republic this year in February—felt he was behind fellow 2018 Venezuelan catchers Diego Cartaya, Francisco Alvarez and Antonio Gomez. Rodriguez’s offensive game is his strength. He has a good setup and stance with a sweet swing from the left side that’s smooth and compact. Scouts highest on Rodriguez saw him show power last year as well early on in the scouting process.

While Cartaya and Gomez project to stick behind the plate, Rodriguez is an offensive-minded catcher who will have clean up his receiving, blocking and throwing to stay at the position. A move to left field or first base would put more pressure on his bat. Rodriguez trains with Jorge Agudelo.

 

37

Luis Matos

Venezuela OF

Notes:

Born: Jan. 28, 2002 | Ht: 5-11 | Wt: 160 | B-T: R-R

Scouting Report: Several scouts consider Matos to be one of the best hitters this year out of Venezuela. Matos represented Venezuela last year at the COPABE 15U Pan American Championships in Colombia and earns praise from scouts for his track record of hitting well in games with a knack for squaring up live pitching. He’s a savvy player who puts together quality at-bats consistently, with quick hand speed, good hand-eye coordination and a mature offensive approach. Matos can occasionally send a ball to the alleys, but he doesn’t project to be a big power threat, with a hit-over-power profile. Matos’ projected offensive production would fit in center field, but his fringe-average speed might be stretched thin there, while a corner outfield spot would place more demands on his power spiking down the road. At his best he has flashes above-average arm strength that would fit in right field. The Giants are likely to sign Matos, who trains with Andres Veliz.

 

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38

Adinso Reyes

Dominican Republic SS

Notes:

Born: Oct. 22, 2001 | Ht: 6-0 | Wt: 195 | B-T: R-R

Scouting Report: Reyes is one of the strongest players in the 2018 class. He has a heavy, compact build that’s relatively mature for his age, and his strength shows up in batting practice. He has the raw power to drive the ball out of the park to his pull side now and has a chance to develop above-average power in the future. Reyes has natural lift in his swing, which helps his power play, though he does have a tendency to get underneath the ball and pop it up. Reyes’ power is his carrying tool, but several scouts believe he will need to make adjustments to hit more in games, as there is some length to his swing and he is susceptible to swinging through breaking pitches. Reyes ran a 6.94 in the 60-yard dash at the MLB Dominican national showcase in November, which is surprising for his size, but he should settle in as a below-average runner. He’s unlikely to spend much time at shortstop in pro ball. He has an average arm now that could tick up in the future, with third base a potential fit if he can improve his footwork and defensive actions. Reyes, who trains with Jay, is expected to sign with the Tigers for more than $1 million.

 

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39

Angel Martinez

Dominican Republic SS

Notes:

Born: Jan. 27, 2002 | Ht: 5-11 | Wt: 160 | B-T: B-R

Scouting Report: Sandy Martinez, who is now the Dominican Summer League manager and Dominican field coordinator for the Nationals, spent parts of eight seasons in the big leagues as a catcher, mostly with the Blue Jays and Cubs. One of his sons, Sandy Martinez Jr., is a catcher for the D-backs on their DSL, and another, Angel Martinez, is a 2018 shortstop prospect. Angel Martinez doesn’t have the same explosiveness in his tool set relative to some of the other Dominican shortstops on this list, but his baseball acumen and all-around game awareness is high for his age. Martinez has been tagging along to work out along side pro players since he was little, and no surprise given his background, he’s a fundamentally sound player in all phases of the game. He’s a switch-hitter with fair bat speed but a simple, efficient swing that produces a high contact rate. He’s a line-drive hitter who uses the whole field with occasional doubles power and good strike-zone judgment. Martinez is a 45 runner with a chance to stay at shortstop, where he reads hops well and has a good internal clock, along with a solid-average arm. He’s more steady than flashy, and some scouts think he could end up at second base. The Indians are the frontrunners to sign Martinez, who is represented by El Niche and is projected to sign a mid six-figure deal.

 

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40

Estanli Castillo

Dominican Republic OF

Notes:

Born: Oct. 7, 2001 | Ht: 6-3 | Wt: 195 | B-T: R-R

Scouting Report: Castillo is one of the top power hitters in the 2018 class. He’s big, strong and has plus raw power, blasting balls out of the park in BP with an uphill stroke. Castillo has a power-over-hit profile, putting on a fireworks show in workout, but he will need to make adjustments to have better results in games. Castillo has plenty of bat speed and his swing isn’t long, but his steep swing path cuts his barrel in and out of the hitting zone quickly. When Castillo’s on time, that leads to towering moonshots, but it also creates a lot of high pop-ups from getting underneath the ball and swing-and-miss tendencies. Improving his pitch recognition will also be important for Castillo, as his hips open early and weight shifts out front too early against offspeed stuff. Castillo is a limited runner who fits best in an outfield corner. At his best, he has shown a plus arm that would fit in right field, though with his size first base could be a future home down the road. Castillo’s pure hitting ability might take more time to develop, but he has the power to plug into the middle of a lineup if everything clicks. Castillo trains with Nube and is linked to the Rays.

 

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41

Branlyn Jaraba

Colombia 3B

Notes:

Born: March 20, 2002 | Ht: 6-2 | Wt: 195 | B-T: R-R

Scouting Report: The top-paid player this year out of Colombia will be Jaraba, who is projected to sign with the Brewers for around $1 million after training in Orlando Cabrera’s program. Jaraba has more room to fill out an already strong build, with power his best tool. He has a compact swing that produces loud contact during batting practice, with the ability to drive the ball well from center field over to his pull side. Jaraba has near average raw power now and should be able to grow into 50 to 60 power with physical maturity. Some scouts liked Jaraba’s swing and strike-zone judgment and saw him hit well in games. Others didn’t see the same level of game performance and saw more risk in his bat, with top-heavy stiffness to his stroke and a power-over-hit profile. The biggest area for Jaraba to improve is his defense. Jaraba has at least an average arm and that should fit fine at third base, but he’s a below-average runner who will have to work on his first-step quickness, agility and defensive actions to be able to stay at third base and avoid going to either left field or first base.

 

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42

Joalbert Angulo

Venezuela LHP

Notes:

Born: Oct. 30, 2001 | Ht: 6-5 | Wt: 165 | B-T: L-L

Scouting Report: Two years ago on July 2, the Phillies signed a 6-foot-5 righthander, Francisco Morales, for $720,000 from Yasser Mendez’s program. Morales had a promising pro debut in 2017 and is one of the organization’s best young arms. With Angulo, Mendez has another 6-foot-5 pitcher this year who appears likely headed to the Phillies. While Morales had a stronger build when he signed, Angulo is long and extremely lanky with a physically underdeveloped build. Despite his slender frame, Angulo already throws 87-91 mph and has recently topped out at 93. With his arm speed and room to easily add another 50-plus pounds, Angulo could eventually throw in the mid-to-upper 90s, especially as he learns to incorporate his lower half more in his delivery. Angulo has feel for both his breaking ball and changeup. The breaking ball has slurvy, three-quarters break, and scouts are split on which secondary pitch they prefer, but they both flash average or better potential. Angulo has the repertoire of a starter if he can make mechanical adjustments to throw more strikes. Like a lot of young, tall and thin pitchers, Angulo has trouble keeping his long arms and legs in sync in his delivery, so he doesn’t have the body coordination right now to repeat his delivery. Angulo’s athleticism should help him, but it might take time to make adjustments.

 

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43

Denny Larrondo

Cuba RHP

Notes:

Born: May 31, 2002 | Ht: 6-0 | Wt: 170 | B-T: R-R

Scouting Report: Larrondo was a two-way player with Villa Clara in Cuba’s youth national leagues, splitting time between pitching, shortstop and a little bit of center field in Cuba’s 15U league in 2016. As a pitcher, Larrondo posted a 3.82 ERA with 39 strikeouts and 17 walks in 35.1 innings, and he’s been committed to pitching full time in the Dominican Republic. Larrondo’s quick-twitch athleticism is evident on the mound. His fastball sits at 87-90 mph and has touched 92. Given his arm speed and projectable build, he should be able to reach the mid-90s in the near future. Larrondo has a natural feel to generate tight spin on a 71-76 mph curveball. It’s not a consistent pitch for him yet because he tends to get around the ball when he throws it rather than staying on top, but the spin and break on the pitch gives him a chance to miss bats. Larrondo is generally around the strike zone, and with his athleticism, he should have the body coordination and ability to make mechanical adjustments to refine his control. The Yankees are the frontrunners to sign Larrondo, whose bonus is expected to end up around $500,000.

 

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44

Diomedes Sierra

Dominican Republic LHP

Notes:

Born: Sept. 11, 2001 | Ht: 6-2 | Wt: 170 | B-T: L-L

Scouting Report: There aren’t many standout lefthanded pitchers in the Dominican Republic—MLB only invited two lefties to its Dominican national showcase in November—but Sierra sticks out for his athleticism and quick arm speed. He throws 88-92 mph, with the arm speed and physical projection in his lean build that suggests the potential to one day throw in the mid-90s. Sierra’s fastball is his best pitch, but his slider flashes as an average pitch at times, though it’s still inconsistent. Sierra mostly operates off his fastball/slider mix, so developing his changeup will be important for Sierra, especially as a lefthanded pitcher. Sierra has a crossfire delivery and recoils when he finishes his delivery, but his athleticism should help him repeat his mechanics and he’s been a solid strike-thrower so far. He had an impressive showing the last time most scouts saw him at the MLB international showcase in February, when he struck out four of the six batters he faced. Sierra trains with Mejia and is expected to sign with the D-backs, with a projected bonus around $500,000.

 

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45

Jose Bonilla

Dominican Republic SS

Notes:

Born: April 2, 2002 | Ht: 6-0 | Wt: 185 | B-T: R-R

Scouting Report: Bonilla is a strong, physical shortstop with a mature body type for his age. At his best, Bonilla has shown big power for a shortstop, knocking the ball over the fence in BP already with a chance to develop average to above-average power in the future. Scouts highest on Bonilla saw him show that power in games and praised his offensive approach. Others saw more line drives than loft power against live pitching and more swing-and-miss tendencies, especially against high fastballs, and thought he would have to make adjustments to make more contact in games. At shortstop, Bonilla has a strong arm and his hands work fine for the infield, with surprising flexibility given his body type. However, he is a below-average runner whose first-step quickness and range would fit better at third base. He has the tools to be a third baseman but he will have to clean up his footwork. The Angels have been linked to Bonilla, who trains with Nolan Pena.

 

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46

Rafael Morel

Dominican Republic SS

Notes:

Born: Nov. 22, 2001 | Ht: 5-11 | Wt: 165 | B-T: R-R

Scouting Report: Morel’s older brother, Christopher Morel, signed with the Cubs for $800,000 in 2015. While Christopher’s career was sidetracked by an off-field wrist injury that wiped out his 2016 season, he has shown flashes of promise between last year in the Dominican Summer League and this year in Arizona. Now the Cubs look like they will also sign Rafael Morel, with a bonus projected to be right around the same as what Christopher received. Morel is an athletic player who should play somewhere in the middle of the diamond. He’s a plus runner who reads hops well and has good body control, with a chance to stick at shortstop, though some scouts think Morel’s speed and athleticism would play better in center field. Morel has a flat swing path geared toward line drives and putting the ball on the ground, with enough power for the occasional gap shot. He tends to shift his weight out to his front side early, which hampers his balance and timing, so he will have to make adjustments to hit more in games. Morel trains with Bolsia.

 

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47

Joel Machado

Venezuela LHP

Notes:

Born: Feb. 9, 2002 | Ht: 6-0 | Wt: 165 | B-T: L-L

Scouting Report: Machado pitched for Venezuela at the COPABE 15U Pan American Championships last year in Colombia, where over two games he threw 8.1 scoreless innings with just two hits allowed, four walks and five strikeouts. Machado isn’t overpowering, but he has a fairly clean, easy delivery with advanced touch and feel for pitching at 16. His fastball has grown from the low-to-mid 80s up to the mid-to-upper 80s over the past year, and while he doesn’t project to be a flamethrower, he has enough projection left to have a chance to eventually sit more in the low 90s. Machado has feel for a changeup, which is ahead of his slow curveball. He has the pitchability to miss bats by locating his fastball and mixing his stuff, throwing strikes from an athletic delivery and loose arm action. Machado is a more advanced pitcher right now compared to fellow Venezuelan lefthander Joalbert Angulo, though Angulo throws harder now and has more physical upside. Machado trains with Roberto Vahils and is likely going to sign with the Cubs.

 

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Agustin Ramirez

Dominican Republic C

Notes:

Born: Sept. 10, 2001 | Ht: 6-0 | Wt: 200 | B-T: R-R

Scouting Report: Most of the top international catching prospects every year come from Venezuela, with few high-profile catchers ever signing out of the Dominican Republic. That’s the case again this year, with Diego Cartaya, Francisco Alvarez and Antonio Gomez leading the 2018 catching crop out of Venezuela, but Ramirez has attracted attention from scouts in the Dominican Republic as an offensive-minded catcher. Like fellow Dominican catcher Gary Sanchez, Ramirez is from San Cristobal, and he has hitting mannerisms reminiscent of Sanchez. Ramirez isn’t the same type of impact bat or thrower that Sanchez was at the same age, but he’s a strong-bodied hitter who packs a punch into a compact swing. He drives the ball with impact, with a chance to have average to plus power in the future. He’s a good fastball hitter who shows the ability to go with where the ball is pitched, though he has had trouble with breaking pitches at times. Ramirez isn’t as advanced defensively. He’s a modest athlete who has to improve his receiving and throwing accuracy, with a 45 arm on the 20-80 scale. Ramirez trains with Pablo Sosa and is expected to sign with the Yankees.

 

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Eduardo Garcia

Venezuela SS

Notes:

Born: July 10, 2002 | Ht: 6-2 | Wt: 155 | B-T: R-R

Scouting Report: Two of the top players in the 2017 class—outfielder Everson Pereira (Yankees) and shortstop-turned-third baseman Danny Diaz (Red Sox)—both signed out of Jose Montero’s program. With scouts closely tracking Pereira and Diaz heading into their signing year, Garcia stood out early in the process for his young, projectable body with a thin lower half and good defensive actions at shortstop. While Pereira and Diaz kept trending up as July 2 approached last year, Garcia hasn’t experienced the same jump in his tools this year, although Garcia is still 15 and won’t be eligible to sign until he turns 16 on July 10. Garcia has the defensive actions to play shortstop, where he has good rhythm, timing and internal clock for the position, along with an average arm. He’s a 45 runner who doesn’t have the step first-step quickness or explosiveness compared to the top shortstops in the class. Garcia earns praise for his defense and instincts at shortstop, though he will have to iron out a lot of things at the plate. Rotating between a bigger leg kick and a shorter toe tap to load his swing, Garcia has a habit of diving at the ball, with his head and weight shifting forward early in his swing, which disrupts his balance. Garcia’s contact is mostly shallow line drives right now, and he projects as a bottom of the order hitter. The Brewers are expected to sign Garcia.

 

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Daury del Rosario

Dominican Republic SS

Notes:

Born: Feb. 14, 2002. | Ht: 6-0 | Wt: 175 | B-T: B-R

Scouting Report: Del Rosario has some similarities to Junior Sanquintin as a switch-hitting shortstop who likely changes positions soon, though with less explosion at the plate. Del Rosario doesn’t have a plus tool and he struggled at the MLB Dominican national showcase, but scouts highest on him like his hitting ability and track record of putting the barrel to the ball in games. He has a simple setup with a consistent, repeatable swing from both sides of the plate with average bat speed and gap power that should climb as he gets stronger. Del Rosario is an average runner who might get a chance to start his career at shortstop, but with his range and glove, he probably won’t spend too much time there. He has an average arm, though his accuracy needs improvement, and he could fit at third base, though others think he could go to a corner outfield spot. While it initially looked like del Rosario would sign with the Rangers, now the Rays appear to be his most likely destination. Del Rosario trains with Luis Schecker.

[jays4life19]

Thanks JimBob

[Spanky99]

I'll post it if you subsidize my subscription

 

lol

[Krylian]

 

 

 

Jays sign SS Michael Arias and RHP JuanFer Castro.

 

Amell Brazoban we already knew about.[/font][/color]

[metafour]

[King]

Looking forward to Todds updated rankings.

[Krylian]

Orelvis is a young Adrian Beltre. He and probably another 7 of our signees are already ahead of Alford.

[Todd]

Well Mr. Krylian I have Alford 35th. Should not be that high but I remember talking to some body on here. And

he knows who is. So i put him there. He was drafted in 2012 part time first two years. but has been full time almost five

years and he has not improving. And two years after the new management team take over the teams the talent pool on the team has become real deep.

And finally others have started to notice. To name one the bleacher report. Other players have also dropped like Richard Unena, Rowdy Tellez, Jon Harris,

Max Pentecost, Reese Mcguire. To name a few.

[TheHurl]

Wish we could get a shared BA subscription. I mean now that people are so mobile they can't be tracking as closely as they used to

[Slade]

Wish we could get a shared BA subscription. I mean now that people are so mobile they can't be tracking as closely as they used to

 

BJMB shared subscription? Where to I sign.

[Krylian]

Use tercets 500

[Jonn]

I mean could just make one account for a group of people you trust have to the password and can access at anytime.

[Maahfaace]

Can someone (twisted?) make a complete list of the Jays signings this year? Or is there a website that complies lists like that?