Likely one of these 2 guys... although that's likely my pipe dream, they need to acquire more money.
Yeinier Cano | Rank: 2 Hometown: Ciego de Avila, Cuba
Position: RHP Age: 25 DOB: 3/9/1994
Bats: R Throws: R Height: 6'5" Weight: 224 lb.
Scouting grades: Fastball: 70 | Slider: 55 | Changeup: 60 | Control: 50 | Overall: 55
At 25, Cano is one of the oldest and most experienced players available on the international market. He's also one of the most interesting.
He's a big and strong reliever with four pitches, and there are some scouts who believe he has a chance to break camp next Spring Training with the big league team that signs him. The right-hander has shown a fastball that hovers in the 94-96 mph range with some sink. He also features an above average slider, split fastball and changeup, a pitch he did not throw often in Cuba. He also throws an average curve.
Cano, who often prefers to pitch out of the stretch, has shown good mechanics and there is some deception to his delivery. He also has enough stamina and strength to throw three or four innings if needed and is in the best shape he has ever been in. His command is average.
Cano played three seasons with Ciego de Avila in Cuba's Serie National and was part of the national team that played against the Tampa Bay Rays in Havana in 2016. He later pitched in Argentina after defecting from Cuba in 2018. Cano became eligible to sign with a Major League team in February and is represented by Scott Shapiro and Barry Praver of Magnus Sports. It's uncertain if he will sign during the current international signing period or wait until the next period begins July 2.
Yolbert Sanchez | Rank: 5 Hometown: Havana, Cuba
Position: SS Age: 22 DOB: 3/3/1997
Bats: R Throws: R Height: 6'0" Weight: 180 lb.
Scouting grades: Hit: 45 | Power: 45 | Run: 55 | Arm: 55 | Field: 65
Known for his elite defense, Sanchez's polished glove might be ready for the big leagues now. According to scouts, he can spray the ball from "line to line" and is considered a line-drive hitter. He ultimately projects to hit eight to 10 homers in the big leagues. He is also known for his average to slightly above average arm as well as an average to slightly above average running ability. Scouts also like his game instincts and track record.
Sanchez was the starting shortstop for the Havana Industriales and projected to be the starting shortstop for the island's national team before his defection last summer. He was the starting shortstop for Cuba's 23U team in Panama and was a teammate of White Sox prospect Luis Robert on the country's 18U team.
Because of his age and experience, Sanchez will sign under the international signing guidelines. The Orioles, who came up short in their pursuit of Cuban outfielders Victor Victor Mesa and Victor Mesa Jr. and Cuban pitcher Sandy Gaston, still have close to $6 million in bonus pool money and were among the first teams to scout Sanchez in person. Should the Orioles decide to trade away their bonus money, the Twins, Brewers, Pirates, D-backs, Rockies, Indians, Royals, Tigers, Mariners, Blue Jays and Giants could be possible partners and thus be in a position to make a substantial offer.
The Dodgers, Phillies, Rangers, Cubs and Red Sox have money to spend during the current signing period. The Astros, Mets, Cardinals and White Sox could be among the teams in play for Sanchez if he decides to wait until the next signing period that starts July 2.
Sanchez is represented by Ulises Cabrera of Octagon and trains with Edwin Castillo in the Dominican Republic.