The Chicago Cubs are making headlines with their signing of shortstop Fernando Cruz, but right-handed pitcher Yander Maria out of the Dominican Republic might be the steal of their 2024 international free agent class. While Cruz has reportedly signed for a franchise high $4 million signing bonus, Maria's bonus has not yet been released, but his scouting reporting is eye-popping.
You're probably thinking what can we actually know about these teenagers and how could you possibly project what they can be in the future. And for the most part, you're right, but as excited as fans get when it comes to draft picks, it's OK to get excited about a few of these international signings too.
Here's why you might want to buy stock early on Maria. The 17-year-old pitcher's scouting report includes the right-hander already hitting 96mph with his fastball.
Maria was listed as one of the potential breakout stars that will be signing for less than $1 million during this year's international signing period.
Via Baseball America.
Maria is a 6-foot-4 righthander who showed promising projection indicators early in the scouting process, reaching 89 mph with more physical upside and feel to spin. Now that his signing date has arrived, that physical projection is already starting to come to fruition. Maria has been up to 96 mph, with the potential for upper-90s velocity coming. He pairs it with a sharp, tight-spinning curveball that should be a swing-and-miss weapon.
A 6-foot-4 frame? Throwing mid to upper 90s as a 17-year-old? Yeah, that's a pretty good foundation to start with and count me in as someone very much looking forward to watching Maria develop and hopefully rise through the Cubs minor league system.
Here's some video of Maria pitching.
The Cubs have also signed the following international prospects along with Cruz and Maria.
Robin Ortiz, OF, Dominican Republic
Diego Gonzalez, C, Venezuela
Frailin Alejo, RHP, Dominican Republic
Juan Monzo, SS, Dominican Republic
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