Cubs add to prospect pool with international signings
As Major League Baseball’s international signing period opened on Saturday, the Cubs bolstered their farm system by inking a slew of players, including a trio of Top 50 prospects.
The Cubs’ reported haul is headlined by catcher/third baseman Adan Sanchez, shortstop Alexis Hernandez and shortstop Jefferson Rojas who were ranked 22nd, 30th and 36th on Baseball America’s Top 50 prospects big board.
Hernandez’s older brother, Cristian, was the Cubs’ top international signing a year ago and ranked No. 7 on Lance Brozdowski’s mid-season Cubs prospect rankings.
MLB.com ranked Hernandez as the No. 18 international prospect and Sanchez at No. 43.
Hernandez just turned 17 in December and is listed at 6-foot-2, 170 pounds. He bats and throws right-handed and is known for his speed and power. It’s unknown whether he will be able to stick at shortstop long-term but he is projected for the middle of the field in some capacity (shortstop, center field, second base).
Sanchez will turn 17 in May and is listed at 5-foot-11, 200 pounds. He bats and throws right-handed and is lauded for approach at the plate and baseball IQ. His primary position is catcher but he has also played third base.
Rojas will turn 17 in April and is 6-feet tall and weighs in at 160 pounds. He also bats and throws right-handed and may be able to stick at shortstop thanks to his defensive skills.
As for the rest of the international signings, the Cubs also reportedly inked outfielder Josias Ramírez, shortstop Moisés Febrillet, catcher Yidel Díaz, outfielder Joséfrailin Alcantara and outfielder Albertina Belliard, among others.