With commencement of the international signing period yesterday 15 Cubans inked contracts with MLB organizations marking a very successful first day for the Largest of the Antilles. The largest bonus of the day was the one doled out to Yandel Ricardo by Kansas City, the shortstop was given 2.4 million by the ballclub.
As predicted by scouts Ricardo was amongst the top prospects in the 2024 signing period. The native of Ciego de Ávila, Cuba hits is a switch-hitter and runs 6.3 in the 60 yards. On defense, the Cuban has good range from the shortstop position and good hands.
El campocorto avileño Yandel Ricardo, el jugador podría ser un jugador muy cotizado en el futuro cercano. #pelotcubana #beisbolcubano #prospectos #orgullocubano pic.twitter.com/2CNGLl1jJg
— Yusseff305 🇨🇺🇺🇲 (@yusseff305) February 2, 2022
César Yanquiel Hernández was next on the list with a 1.4 million dollar bonus from the Houston Astros. The native of Santi Spiritus, Cuba is 20-years-old, stands about 6.0 feet tall and weighs 190 pounds. He bats and throws left-handed.
“César Hernández is a strong, muscular center fielder with a rare combination of hitting ability, power and speed,” said Astros senior scouting advisor Charlie González. “His impact ability from the left side and elite straight-line speed stood out during the scouting process.”
Outfielder Luis Rives was also signed by the team from the “Long Horn State” for 900K. Rives is also from Sancti Spíritus and is a switch hitter with plenty speed on the paths. His arm from the outfield classified as elite. Before leaving Cuba in 2022, he played in the country’s youth tournament with Santi Spíritus hitting .310 in 42 at-bats.
Cuban OF Cesar Yanquiel Hernández officially signs with the Houston Astros.
Bonus deal: $1.7 M.
I ranked Hernández as the #1 in my list of the 25 best U-18 prospects in Cuba 2020.
He is represented by Edgar Mercedes and Born to Play. pic.twitter.com/hZMsauFXaO
— Francys Romero (@francysromeroFR) January 15, 2024
Cuban signings and bonuses:
Miguel Flores LHP (Cleveland) 500K
Edelvis Pérez RHP (Cleveland) 415K
Johan Rodríguez SS (Cleveland) 350K
Eriel Dihigo SS (Colorado) 500K
César Yanquiel Hernández OF (Houston) 1.7M
Luis Rives OF (Houston) 900K
Yandel Ricardo SS (Kansas City) 2.4M
José Cerice 3B (Kansas City) 700K
Adolfo Miranda OF (NY Mets) 10K
Eric Matos RHP (Oakland) 700K
Yadimir Fuentes C (Philadelphia)
Earle Zulueta RHP (St. Louis) 400K
Christian Saez 1B (St. Louis) 150K
Boris Sarduy 2B/C (San Francisco) 30K
Leodan Reyes RHP (Washington) 55K
Alex Rodríguez INF (Texas) 400K