The 2024 international signing period concluded on December 15 and a total of 29 Antilleans managed to ink contracts with major league. In about a week the new signing period will begin again and a talented young man from Matanzas, Cuba stands out amongst the others for his immense talent, this is the Cuban prospect Kevin Álvarez. Álvarez was declared a free agent last September making him eligible to sign on January 15th.
According to our colleague Francys Romero’s sources Álvarez is expected to sign with the Houston Astros for around $2 million when the new period opens. The prospect will turn 17 two days before the commencement of the signing period. Álvarez is considered one of the best hitters in his class. The powerful hitter stands 6’4 and weighs 180 lbs trains at the Javier Rodriguez Academy in the Dominican Republic.
On December 13, 2021, he left Cuba with his father with the hope of one day signing with an MLB organization, according to a recent report from Romero himself. After several months of work, the left-handed hitter has developed as a player with the potential to contribute in the Major Leagues. His father Lester Álvarez was a pitcher in the Cuban National Series between 2002 and 2005 with his native Matanzas province.
Álvarez projects to be an above-average average and power hitter. His defensive skills and his arm are elite. He is an average runner and everything indicates that he will be a corner outfielder. Some scouts compared him to Kyle Tucker or the young Paul O’Neill. The Astros are the organization with the most Cubans in their system. They currently have 14 Cubans in their ranks, a number that will increase after the next international signing period.
Scouting grades:
Hitting: 60 | Power: 60 | Speed: 50 | Arm: 55 | Defense: 55 | Overall: 55