The 2024 international signing period concluded on December 15 and a total of 29 Cubans managed to sign with Major League organizations. Starting January 15, Diego Tornés will be one most sought after Cuban by Major League organizations. Tornes who left the island in 2021 when he was just 13 year old was declared a free agent by the MLB Commissioner’s Office earlier this year.
The Havana native is listed as the #6 prospect within the Top-50 international prospects published every year by the prestigious magazine Baseball America. So far, the Atlanta Braves are the favorites to sign him once the new period opens. The signing should be around approximately $3 million, according to a recent report by our colleague Francys Romero.
Tornés, 16 years old, would be one of the highest paid players in his class and will be turning 17 on July 3. He is a switch-hitter and shows good agility in the outfield, although in the future scouts see him as a corner outfielder. Scouts have evaluated him as one of the most advanced players in terms of tools for the upcoming international period. His batting has been graded from 55 to 60 on the 20/80 scale by several scouts.
Tornes’ arm and defense are considered pluses, with Gold Glove caliber potential. His overall rating is at 55, making him one of the best prospects for 2024/25. Tornés belongs to the Alex Sánchez Academy, a installation belonging to the former MLB player who was in the league for five seasons between 2001-2005. Sánchez has trained and polished various talents in recent years.
Tornés has power from both sides of the plate. He has an excellent swing and is quite patient at the plate due to the his good knowledge of the strike zone. He’s also greatly improved his speed which should help his chances of staying as a centerfielder.
Scouting report: Contact: 55 | Power: 60 | Speed: 50 | Arm: 55 | Defense: 55 | Total: 55.