With the International Free Agency signing period in the books plenty of Cubans inked contracts with major league teams, though their weren’t high profile signings of the past such as Diego Tornés, Yandel Ricardo and Kevin Álvarez who secured large bonuses, some other solid prospects signed some fructiferous deals.
With the increased defections of Cuban youths from the communist island expect not only the amount of signings on January 15th, but the amount of Cubans in the big leagues to rise substantially. A total of 34 Cubans played in the majors last year, which is a record. Expect that number to hit at least 50 by the end of the decade.
Three shortstops such as Jaider Suárez, Rubén Gallego and Joniel Hernández were the most sought after prospects and were each able to sign deals about a million dollars with their respective organizations. The renowned expert on the subject has given us scouting report on in his own words these such juveniles from the largest of the Antilles:
Jaider Suarez, SS, Cuba
Born: Dec. 23, 2008. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-2. Wt.: 185.
Team: Royals
After being the youngest player on the Cuban team at the U-15 World Cup in 2022 when he was 13, Suarez in 2023 dominated in Cuba’s 15U national league. He hit .355/.495/.605 with 22 walks (including a league-high nine intentional walks) and seven strikeouts in 101 plate appearances for Ciego De Avila, leading the league with three home runs and tied for the league lead with 17 stolen bases. Suarez has broad shoulders on a strong frame and good bat-to-ball skills from the right side of the plate. His raw power has spiked considerably over the past year as he’s gotten stronger and adjusted his swing to get better separation and incorporate his lower half more, giving him the look of a player who could end up hitting 20-plus homers. A plus runner, Suarez doesn’t have the typical shortstop build and some scouts think he could end up at third base, but scouts highest on him think he could stay at shortstop and that he fields his position well with good instincts and a plus arm.
Joniel Hernandez, SS, Cuba
Born: March 6, 2009. B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-1. Wt.: 175.
Team: Padres
Hernandez is a quick-twitch, bursty athlete. He has a lean, wiry frame with the projection to get stronger while staying athletic. He’s a plus runner with an above-average arm. Those tools give him a chance to stay at shortstop if his hands and defensive instincts improve, though his speed and athleticism could translate to center field if needed or he could end up moving around the infield and outfield. Hernandez loads with a leg kick and uses quick hands to fire the barrel with good bat speed. He’s still learning to recognize spin and be more consistent with his timing, but when everything is synced up, he can drive the ball with impact. He has projection to grow into above-average power.
Ruben Gallego, SS, Cuba
Born: Nov. 4, 2008. B-T: B-R. Ht.: 6-0. Wt.: 163.
Team: Diamondbacks
Gallego has the traits to stick at shortstop. He’s a smart, instinctive defender with smooth, fluid actions at the position. He’s an average runner with quick feet, soft hands and a quick transfer to an average arm. Scouts were split on Gallego’s pure hitting ability, with some seeing him as a defensive-oriented player and others thinking he would be a solid hitter with a line-drive approach and gap power. There’s still more physical upside left in his frame, though he doesn’t project to ever be a big power hitter.
That Cubans that signed on January 15th:
Arizona Diamondbacks:
-SS Ruben Gallegos ($1,800,000)
-SS Leonardo Sevilla ($725,000)
-OF Loidel Amaya ($540,000) + 140,000 scholarship
Athletics:
-OF Darian Rojas ($500,000)
Atlanta Braves:
-RHP Jonathan Hechevarria ($450,000)
Chicago Cubs:
-SS Jaims Martinez ($900,000)
-RHP Naikys Piedra ($10,000)
Cleveland Guardians:
-SS Karel Naranjo ($650,000)
-OF Jhon Guerrero ($250,000)
Houston Astros:
-OF Jack Valbrune ($375,000)
Kansas City Royals:
-SS Jaider Suarez ($1,675,000)
Los Angeles Dodgers:
-RHP Luis Yamilk Riscart ($50,000) CUB
Philadelphia Phillies:
-INF Patrick Silva ($20,000) *
Pittsburgh Pirates:
-OF Rothelmnay Marquetti ($40,000)
San Diego Padres:
-SS Joniel Hernandez ($1,100,000)
-RHP Jordan Perez ($300,000)
Toronto Blue Jays:
-RHP Yoennis Morales ($12,500)
*Of Cuban descent