𝕏: ItsRickyLogan

The Cincinnati Reds have been fairly aggressive in recent years in the international market. Their most notable signing is the unexpected emergence of Elly De La Cruz. De La Cruz signed in 2018 for $65,000 at the age of 16 and has blossomed into a potential face of the sport player. The international market is tricky. You’re signing players mostly around 16 or 17 years old so there’s a risk reward factor involved, but the payoff can be huge. Juan Soto signed with the Washington Nationals at 16 years old in 2015, was a cornerstone player in their World Series run in 2019, and just signed the largest contract in Major League Baseball history with the New York Mets this offseason. The Reds have had their low points in this market as well. Players like Yorman Rodriguez, Juan Duran and Alfredo Rodriguez. They just never put it together to have success in the Major Leagues. Here is some notable signings in this years class.

Liberts Aponte: ShortStop

Aponte is a “defense first player” at the short stop position, who has drawn comparisons to another Venezuelan defensive wizard, Dave Concepción. Scouts rave over Aponte’s defense, with one scout saying he has “magic in his hands”. While not being known as being a power hitter, Aponte showed scouts that he has good bat to ball ability from the right side and can do the little things well. Aponte signed for $1.9 million. He will most likely be added to the next Top 30 prospect list.

Isaac Garcia: Outfield

Isaac Garcia is a 5’11 outfield prospect from Venezuela that has showcased power potential if he continues to add to his frame. He has plus speed to go along with his good bat to ball skills. We probably won’t see Garcia in the United States for a couple years. He was signed for $700,000.

Enry Torres: Catcher

Enry Torres was very high on the Reds board in this class. It’s no secret that the Reds have a lack of depth at the catcher position. Tyler Stephenson and the Reds have yet to agree on a long term contract and the most prominent catching prospect is at least 3-5 years away in Alfredo Duno. Scouts love the 16 year old Torres’s ability to handle a pitching staff already. He is very athletic for a catcher, so there could be potential to move around if need be, but the Reds really need a catching prospect to develop in to a Major League caliber player. Torres is a really good gap to gap hitter, with the ability to spray the ball all over the field. He is regarded as the premier bats, regardless of position, out of Venezuela. Torres signed for an estimated $800,000(the Reds have not confirmed the number as of writing this).

These three prospects are in addition to last year’s class, led by Adolfo Sanchez, Naibel Mariano, Alfredo Duno in 2023 and Ricardo Cabrera in 2022. These four are all top 30 prospects currently and are showing promise. Should these players develop, the Reds should be in prime position with a next wave of talent like we saw in 2023.

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Photo Credits; Ben Badler on 𝕏

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