The 2023 International Signing period officially opens up tomorrow. The class is headlined by catcher Ethan Salas, who is expected to sign with the Padres for more than Boston’s entire bonus pool. This class has a high number of quality catchers.
Red Sox bonus pool: $4,644,000
Rumored Red Sox signings:
Yoelin Cespedes SS (25th overall)
From MLB.com:
Scouting grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 55 | Run: 50 | Arm: 50 | Field: 50 | Overall: 50
Cespedes has been compared to a young Howie Kendrick. It’s a lofty comparison, but Cespedes has a chance to be a special prospect.
He’s compact and strong with plus bat speed and noteworthy raw power. He already shows an advanced approach at the plate and projects to be a solid everyday Major League player in the future because of his overall skill set.
The versatile teen can play any infield position but will likely end up at second base or third base. He also projects to have an average arm and be an average runner.
Off the field, Cespedes has also been praised for his makeup, baseball IQ and great work ethic. Cespedes trains with Josue Mateo. The Red Sox are among the teams who have shown interest in him.
Tony Ruiz OF (30th overall)
From MLB.com:
Scouting grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 55 | Run: 50 | Arm: 50 | Field: 50 | Overall: 50
Ruiz has power, and some have even gone as far as to compare him to Julio Rodríguez.
It’s too early to tell if he will develop into the player Rodríguez is, but it’s understandable why a big power hitter like Ruiz would draw the comparison. Ruiz can already hit the ball out of the ballpark to right-center field, and he shows an advanced feel for the strike zone.
Ruiz profiles as a corner outfielder and has enough arm strength to play either left or right field. Overall, he’s expected to be an average defender and an average runner.
Ruiz trains at the OAR Baseball Academy and is represented by Felix Francisco.
Red Sox bonus pool: $4,644,000
Rumored Red Sox signings:
Yoelin Cespedes SS (25th overall)
From MLB.com:
Scouting grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 55 | Run: 50 | Arm: 50 | Field: 50 | Overall: 50
Cespedes has been compared to a young Howie Kendrick. It’s a lofty comparison, but Cespedes has a chance to be a special prospect.
He’s compact and strong with plus bat speed and noteworthy raw power. He already shows an advanced approach at the plate and projects to be a solid everyday Major League player in the future because of his overall skill set.
The versatile teen can play any infield position but will likely end up at second base or third base. He also projects to have an average arm and be an average runner.
Off the field, Cespedes has also been praised for his makeup, baseball IQ and great work ethic. Cespedes trains with Josue Mateo. The Red Sox are among the teams who have shown interest in him.
Tony Ruiz OF (30th overall)
From MLB.com:
Scouting grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 55 | Run: 50 | Arm: 50 | Field: 50 | Overall: 50
Ruiz has power, and some have even gone as far as to compare him to Julio Rodríguez.
It’s too early to tell if he will develop into the player Rodríguez is, but it’s understandable why a big power hitter like Ruiz would draw the comparison. Ruiz can already hit the ball out of the ballpark to right-center field, and he shows an advanced feel for the strike zone.
Ruiz profiles as a corner outfielder and has enough arm strength to play either left or right field. Overall, he’s expected to be an average defender and an average runner.
Ruiz trains at the OAR Baseball Academy and is represented by Felix Francisco.