International Free Agency Thread, 1/15/2021 Class

[CaliforniaRaisin]

Cubs Signings, per BA:

 

Cristian Hernández, SS, Dominican Republic - $3 million

Moises Ballesteros, C, Venezuela - approximately $1.2 million

Daniel Ferreira, of, Dominican Republic

Carlos Cabrera, lhp, Dominican Republic

Oferman Hernández, of, Dominican Republic

Wellington Quintero, rhp, Dominican Republic

Raino Coran, of, Curaçao

Carlos Ramos, c, Venezuela

Joel Sierra, rhp, Dominican Republic

Ronny Corniel, rhp, Dominican Republic

Pedro Ramirez, ss, Venezuela

Kenneddy Delgado, rhp, Venezuela

Fredy Montenegro, c, Venezuela

Gabriel Agrázal, rhp, Panama

Michael Arias, rhp, Dominican Republic (source: his Instagram)

David Benítez (source: Gian Guzman's Twitter)

Adrian Martínez, rhp (per MLB.com)

Zhiorman Imbriano, lhp, Venezuela (per MLB.com)

David Olivo, rhp (per MLB.com)

 

Let's root against an IFA Draft in 2020 because the Cubs are linked to arguably the #1 IFA prospect - 6'1" Dominican SS Christian Hernandez, who is expected to sign for more than $3 million if there is no draft.

[Hrubes20]

Let's root against an IFA Draft in 2020 because the Cubs are linked to arguably the #1 IFA prospect - 6'1" Dominican SS Christian Hernandez, who is expected to sign for more than $3 million if there is no draft.

 

Is this the article from BA today?

[CaliforniaRaisin]

Let's root against an IFA Draft in 2020 because the Cubs are linked to arguably the #1 IFA prospect - 6'1" Dominican SS Christian Hernandez, who is expected to sign for more than $3 million if there is no draft.

 

Is this the article from BA today?

 

Yeah, it’s from Badler’s article today.

[Bertz]

I know baseball loves to cut its nose to spite its face in the international department, but is there really concern that there's going to be less than a year of lead time between an International draft being announced and implemented?

[CaliforniaRaisin]

https://twitter.com/sung_minkim/status/1167456442346958848?s=20

 

https://blogs.fangraphs.com/a-dispatch-from-day-one-of-the-wbsc-u-18-world-cup/

 

The 17-year-old Chen is far from an unknown at this point. According to the international prospect section of THE BOARD, he could be looking at a seven-figure signing bonus in 2020. A major league scout told me that, at this moment, Chen is the most “complete package” among the pitching prospects out of Taiwan. Needless to say, a large group of major league scouts swarmed behind home plate to see Chen pitch against Panama.

 

Even before his start, Chen’s delivery stood out to me during his bullpen. He has an easy, fast-tempo motion that was direct to home. He finished well towards the home plate, setting himself up for good fielding position in case of a batted ball. He also showed good tempo between his pitches and rarely seemed hesitant to throw any of his pitches.

 

Chen’s fastball sat at around 89-91 mph throughout the game. He maintained the velocity late in the game when he broke 80-pitch mark. In general, he showed a good feel for commanding the pitch in different parts of the zone. In the second inning, he left some pitches up, which led to some hard contact. When he located his heater well, however, he was able to get called strikes or set up his secondary pitches.

 

Chen featured two different breaking pitches: a slider, with a 10-4 tilt, around 78-80 mph and a curveball, with a 11-5 tilt, around 71-74 mph. Earlier in the game he turned to his slider as his primary out pitch but he mixed in his curve more later in the game. He generated weak contact and whiffs with both, though it seemed that slider was the sharper one. He not only buried it below the zone for whiffs but also in the zone to freeze hitters. Chen barely showed his changeup and when he did, it wasn’t plus.

 

Even though he doesn’t have the most overpowering stuff, it’s easy to see why scouts are paying attention to Chen. He showed consistency for most of the game and an ability to throw strikes. And because of his lanky, projectable frame, he will probably add some velocity as he matures.

 

Per FG, he’s eligible the sign now but I’m guessing he’ll wait to graduate from HS next year.

 

viewtopic.php?f=3&t=2671&p=361171&hilit=Po+Yu+Chen#p361171

[CubsWin]

Drooling...

 

[bbvideo=560,315]

[/bbvideo]

[Hrubes20]

Drooling...

 

[bbvideo=560,315]

[/bbvideo]

 

He really matured since the previous video I saw of him. I also don't hate that his nickname is Arod.

[Bertz]

[CaliforniaRaisin]

 

Badler had the same news earlier today. Really wish they had given adequate IFA penalties to the Astros.

 

Badler made it sound like this future Astro isn't as good as the guys he rated 1a and 1b, SS Christian Hernandez (linked to the Cubs) and a SS linked to the Rays.

[CaliforniaRaisin]

 

I’m guessing the White Sox would have to trade for cap space to be able to afford Colás after this signing. He’s probably going to demand ~$4 million.

 

Multiple international scouting sources said the White Sox also have interest in Cuban star OF/LHP Oscar Colas, who recently defected. It's unclear how Vera's deal will impact the White Sox's pursuit of Colas. Chicago's international bonus pool for the 2019-20 signing period was slightly less than $5.4 million.

[Regular Show]

 

I’m guessing the White Sox would have to trade for cap space to be able to afford Colas.

 

Multiple international scouting sources said the White Sox also have interest in Cuban star OF/LHP Oscar Colas, who recently defected. It's unclear how Vera's deal will impact the White Sox's pursuit of Colas. Chicago's international bonus pool for the 2019-20 signing period was slightly less than $5.4 million.

 

I think they could afford both without trading for more IFA pool money. I think Colas will get somewhere around ~$3M and the agreement with Vera is for $1.5M. I believe they lost some pool money for signing Grandal as well.

 

Also, Colas isn't a true two-way talent like Shohei Ohtani or Brendan McKay. When he signs with some team it'll be strictly as an OF is my guess.

 

EDIT: Yeah, scratch that last part about the White Sox losing pool money for signing Grandal. He got a QO last offseason.

[CaliforniaRaisin]

https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/2020-mlb-international-prospects-preview-catchers-to-watch/

 

On top of potentially the top IFA in next year's class, Dominican SS Christian Hernandez, the Cubs are also linked to Venezuelan catcher Moises Ballesteros. Ballesteros bats lefty, produces hard contact and has a strong arm.

 

https://www.instagram.com/p/B1SI7O3gBpj/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

[Hrubes20]

https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/2020-mlb-international-prospects-preview-catchers-to-watch/

 

On top of potentially the top IFA in next year's class, Dominican SS Christian Hernandez, the Cubs are also linked to Venezuelan catcher Moises Ballesteros. Ballesteros bats lefty, produces hard contact and has a strong arm.

 

https://www.instagram.com/p/B1SI7O3gBpj/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

 

Give me all the Venezuelan catchers!!!!

[Bertz]

Yeah I really like this idea of stockpiling young offensively gifted catchers. Attrition is really bad behind the plate, but between Hearn, Quintero, and Ballasteros the odds of netting an impact guy are actually pretty solid.

 

I also think some of the the systemic changes coming to MLB in the next few years positively affect these guys:

 

- The 26th roster spot makes stashing a 3rd offensive minded backup catcher on the roster much more palatable, so if a guy develops into a Robinson Chirinos type that will be much less of a bummer than it used to be

- We're likely to see an automated zone in two years, which should lower the bar defensively, and possibly also allow catchers to progress through the system faster

- The NL DH is probably also coming in two years, so if we get lucky and hit on more than one of those guys (or if Amaya is a star) there's less worry about guys being blocked because there are more reasonable paths to playing time

 

In terms of things that I'm excited about on the farm this year the confluence of talent at Myrtle Beach is the clear #1 but the catching pipeline is probably #2.

[CaliforniaRaisin]

https://www.fangraphs.com/prospects/the-board/2020-international/summary?sort=-1,1

 

Fangraphs rates Christian Hernandez as the 2nd best prospect in 2020. He's going to get a $3 million bonus (BA says $3.5 million), which would tie for the biggest IFA bonus the Cubs have given in the pool era (Quintero is the other at $3 million; Eloy at $2.8 were the previous highs).

 

Full Report

Likely shortstop with a long, projectable frame. Righty bat with pretty finish in BP but flatter path through the zone.

 

Also:

 

The 2020 Class

 

This group doesn’t seem to have the top-end talent that most classes do, at least based on my notes. Elite 2021 and 2022 talents have already been identified, and a few of them are clearly a cut above the top of the 2020 group — shortstops Rodrick Arias (‘21) and Felnin Celesten (‘22) and outfielder Cristian Vaquero (‘21) — but this class will certainly have quality players.

[CubsWin]

Ed Howard or Cristian Hernandez among signable amateur HS aged SSs this year?

 

Eric A Longenhagen: oooh, good one. man, that’s close. I’ll say Hernandez, more body projection. Howard is the better glove, though.

 

McDaniel leaned Howard so these two prospects might start a war

Take Howard with the 16th pick and let em battle it out!

[CubsWin]

Yeah I really like this idea of stockpiling young offensively gifted catchers. Attrition is really bad behind the plate, but between Hearn, Quintero, and Ballasteros the odds of netting an impact guy are actually pretty solid.

 

I also think some of the the systemic changes coming to MLB in the next few years positively affect these guys:

 

- The 26th roster spot makes stashing a 3rd offensive minded backup catcher on the roster much more palatable, so if a guy develops into a Robinson Chirinos type that will be much less of a bummer than it used to be

- We're likely to see an automated zone in two years, which should lower the bar defensively, and possibly also allow catchers to progress through the system faster

- The NL DH is probably also coming in two years, so if we get lucky and hit on more than one of those guys (or if Amaya is a star) there's less worry about guys being blocked because there are more reasonable paths to playing time

 

In terms of things that I'm excited about on the farm this year the confluence of talent at Myrtle Beach is the clear #1 but the catching pipeline is probably #2.

Excellent post, Bertz. You forgot Brayan Altuve! The list is longer than you thought!

 

Yeah Myrtle Beach could be a lot of fun this year. At varying points during the season, they could have Davis, Morel, Roederer, Jensen, Strumpf, Franklin, R. Thompson, McAvene, Clarke and Velazquez (who is need of a breakout). Heck, Marquez could start there, and don’t forget the triumphant return of Jose Albertos has a dominant reliever...!

[weis21]

Looking forward to taking the 30 min drive to watch MB play when they come to eastern NC this year. My son is now 4 and it’s time we watched a live baseball game together.

 

Plus, it hopefully will help his apparent inability to identify sports. He knows pretty much all letters and can count to 50. Yet - inexplicably - routinely calls baseball football. Football basketball. Lord help me with golf. It’s gotten to the point that when he asks what I want to watch on TV I just say “sports” because then I know he will understand that I’m watching one of the above. He dropped a soccer reference on me the other day which I assume he got from school (I don’t watch soccer) so that only further muddies the situation.

[CubsWin]

https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/2020-mlb-international-prospects-preview-catchers-to-watch/

 

On top of potentially the top IFA in next year's class, Dominican SS Christian Hernandez, the Cubs are also linked to Venezuelan catcher Moises Ballesteros. Ballesteros bats lefty, produces hard contact and has a strong arm.

 

https://www.instagram.com/p/B1SI7O3gBpj/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

 

Give me all the Venezuelan catchers!!!!

I think the Cubs already have them all!

 

By my count, they have 15 catchers from Venezuela currently in their system not including Ballesteros (though some might get released before the start of their season), and they had at least 1 Venezuelan catcher play at every level last year with every catcher but one in the DSL being Venezuelan.

 

Willson Contreras (MLB, AAA)

Erick Castillo (AAA, AA)

Jhonny Pereda (AA)

Miguel Amaya (High A)

Gustavo Polanco (Low A)

Johnathan Soto (SS-A)

Henderson Perez (AZL)

Edgar Gamargo (DSL)

Malcolm Quintero (DSL)

Miguel Fabrizio (DSL)

Pablo Aliendo (DSL)

Miller Chacon (DSL)

Brayan Mancilla (DSL)

Ronnier Quintero

Brayan Altuve

and now, apparently Moises Ballesteros.

[CaliforniaRaisin]

 

Of course this happens when the Cubs are linked to a top-two IFA this year.

[CaliforniaRaisin]

https://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/cubs/ct-chicago-cubs-cristian-hernandez-20200406-df5iswdlhre6vpbpgahjqzfkme-story.html

 

According to Baseball America’s story on the 2020 international signing period, the Cubs are projected to sign one of the top shortstops in Cristian Hernandez.

 

Hernandez, a 16-year-old prospect from the Dominican Republic, would receive a $3.5 million bonus — the fourth-highest in the pool, according to Baseball America.

 

The list was compiled by projected signing bonuses because the publication believed it wasn’t fair to players who have committed to a team and therefore aren’t being evaluated by other teams.

 

The 6-foot-2, 165-pound Hernandez is one of seven shortstops ranked in the top 10 among projected signing bonuses.

 

Looks like the Cubs are still getting Hernandez?

 

Why wouldn't they? The only question is when the signing period will start.

 

That BA article said Hernandez would get “around $3.5 million,” which would be the 4th highest bonus in the coming IFA class.

 

Hernandez was the only Cub in the top 25 bonuses and the bottom of the list was getting around $1.5 million so we know Ballesteros will get less than that.

[CaliforniaRaisin]

 

Christian Hernandez is 5th on MLB’s list. I haven’t seen him lower than 2 on any other ranking, though this is the first ranking I’ve seen with Yoelqi Céspedes (Yoenis’ younger half brother).

 

At 6-foot-2, 175 pounds, the teenager resembles a young Alex Rodriguez and has a build similar to Manny Machado at the same age. His approach and abilities give him a chance to hit for a high batting average and he is expected to have plus power in the future. There’s a belief he could eventually develop into a .300 hitter who can slug 30 or more home runs a year. On defense, he shows plus arm potential with smooth hands and the ability to make plays in the hole and up the middle with equal proficiency. He consistently runs the 60-yard dash in 6.5 seconds. The Cubs are the favorite to sign the infielder.

 

Moises Ballesteros was listed amongst the “best of the rest,” outside the top 30.

[Cubswin11]

A-Rod with Machado’s body, well that’s reasonable

[CubsWin]

 

Christian Hernandez is 5th on MLB’s list. I haven’t seen him lower than 2 on any other ranking, though this is the first ranking I’ve seen with Yoelqi Céspedes (Yoenis’ younger half brother).

 

At 6-foot-2, 175 pounds, the teenager resembles a young Alex Rodriguez and has a build similar to Manny Machado at the same age. His approach and abilities give him a chance to hit for a high batting average and he is expected to have plus power in the future. There’s a belief he could eventually develop into a .300 hitter who can slug 30 or more home runs a year. On defense, he shows plus arm potential with smooth hands and the ability to make plays in the hole and up the middle with equal proficiency. He consistently runs the 60-yard dash in 6.5 seconds. The Cubs are the favorite to sign the infielder.

 

Moises Ballesteros was listed amongst the “best of the rest,” outside the top 30.

If Hernandez doesn't immediately make the Cubs top 10 prospects, either that description is a little rosy or it's a really good sign for the Cubs system as a whole...

[CaliforniaRaisin]

1:15

Danny: Likely way too early to know but is the expectation that the 2021 J2 signing period will be delayed too? Something like January 2022?

 

1:16

Eric A Longenhagen: Yeah, I think we’re on a whole new calendar for Int’l stuff already. January for this group and every one beyond it until a draft (which I think will be ’23, Kiley thinks ’22)