Cleveland Baseball Insider

Cleveland Guardians 2023-24 International Signing Day Preview

Dominican outfielder Roberto Arias headlines a class of 26 players linked to sign with the Guardians on January 15th

Todd Paquette

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The Cleveland Guardians are currently linked to 26 players for their 2023 international signing class who are set to sign on Monday, January 15. The Guardians are one of six MLB teams that received a $7,114,800 signing pool for the 2023 international signing period which was the highest amount granted to any team.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the international signing period used to begin on July 2, but now begins on January 15 of every season. An international player is eligible to sign with a Major League team between January 15 and December 15, 2024. He must turn 16 before he signs. In practical terms, that means players born between September 1, 2006, and August 31, 2007, are eligible to sign.

Cleveland tends to go with a position player-heavy approach internationally while utilizing the MLB Draft to restock their system with top arms. Position players are considered the safest route usually in the international market especially due to the age and projection as most of the players signed are just 16-to-17 years old.

The Guardians 2023-24 international class includes 26 players from three different countries. Venezuela leads the way with 14 players followed by nine players from the Dominican Republic and three from Cuba. The class includes nine middle infielders, eight pitchers, seven outfielders, and two catchers. 

The following 26 players have been arranged in order by their expected signing bonuses from highest to lowest starting with this year's top international sign outfielder Roberto Arias. Arias is currently ranked as the 13th-best overall MLB international prospect for this year's class by MLB Pipeline, 14th overall by Baseball America, and 16th overall by Fangraphs. 

Roberto Arias - OF

Age - 17

Bats - L

DOB - 10/01/2006

Throws - L

HT - 6'1

WT - 170

Arias the top international sign for this year's class comes out of Bonoa, Dominican Republic. The 17-year-old outfield prospect trains out of Bases Loaded Academy. He is expected to sign for $1.9MM which will be the second-highest bonus given ever by a Cleveland international free agent only trailing current INF prospect Gabriel Rodriguez who signed for $2.1MM back on 7/2/2018.

Arias is a tremendous athlete that could be considered a true 5-tool prospect especially if he adds more power. His 6'1" lean frame is very projectable with the ability to add more muscle as he matures and develops.

His bat-to-ball skills are considered very advanced for his age as he has a special ability to barrel up balls consistently using the entire field of play. Arias is an aggressive hitter at the plate that tracks the ball extremely well with the ability to extend counts fouling off pitches deep in the box.

Roberto has above-average speed which could make him a base-stealing threat. That speed along with his range and average to above-average arm could lead him to become an above-average center fielder in the future.

If he lives up to his potential and continues to develop and stay healthy has the potential to be a future top-of-the-order bat who can handle a key defensive position in center field.

Miguel Flores - LHP

Age - 19

BATS - L

DOB - 10/15/2004

THROWS - L

HT - 6'2

WT - 190

Flores is originally from Sancti Spiritus, Cuba but defected to Mexico in November of 2022 where he trained and worked with both Maels Rodriguez and Hector Berrios. 

Flores is expected to sign for $500K which will be the most money the Guardians have given to an international free-agent pitcher since 2017 when they signed RHP Victor Soteldo for $650K out of Venezuela. 

At 19-years-old Flores is a bit older than most of the international free agent signings who are usually only 16 or 17 by the 1/15/24 signing day. He is also said to be more advanced not only physically but having played internationally for Cuba's top 18 and under team before he defected.

The lefty offers a four-pitch mix that currently features a fastball that sits at 91-93 mph, a curveball at 74-77 mph, a slider at 80-82 mph, and a changeup at 79-82 mph.

It will be interesting to see if the organization has him make his pro-debut in the Dominican Summer League in 2024 or skip that level due to his age and maturity and start in the Arizona Complex League.

Gabriel Rodriguez - SS

Age - 16

BATS - L

DOB - 3/05/2007

THROWS - R

HT - 6'0

WT - 165

Yes, Cleveland there are now two players in the system from Venezuela named Gabriel Rodriguez to follow and keep track of. This Gabriel Rodriguez is five years younger than the elder Rodriguez who signed in 2018 for a team-record $2.1MM and spent the 2023 season with Double-A Akron.

The 16-year-old Rodriguez is from Valencia, Venezuela, and trains at Rodriguez Baseball Academy. He is expected to sign for $500K which along with LHP Miguel Flores is the second-highest bonus for any player in this signing class.

Gabriel is a young man who can play shortstop at a high level defensively and despite his current 6'0" frame should be able to stick there in the future. He dominates his arm angles and has an average arm for his age. Rodriguez has a compact swing with occasional power and a lot of skill and room to develop. He has great overall instincts along with speed on the basepaths. 

Estivel Morillo - OF

Age - 16

BATS - L

DOB - 7/21/2007

THROWS - L

HT - 6'0

WT - 160

Morillo is from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, and trains at Bases Loaded Academy the same Academy as fellow outfielder and top international sign Roberto Arias does.

The 6'0' 160-pound 16-year-old Morillo is expected to sign for $435K, and is one of the youngest players in the Guardians signing class.

Luis Reyson De La Cruz - SS

Age - 17

BATS - S

DOB - 9/24/2006

THROWS - R

HT - 6'0

WT - 176

Reyson De La Cruz is from San Francisco De Macoris, Dominican Republic. The switch-hitting shortstop prospect is expected to sign for $430K and is trained by Ivan Novoa.

He is said to have an advanced bat and a strong arm. His defense is considered average and may eventually need to move off the shortstop position. Reyson De La Cruz has average speed as well.

Edelvis Perez - RHP

AGE - 18

BATS - R

DOB - 5/02/2005

THROWS - R

HT - 6'3

WT - 200

Perez joins fellow signee Miguel Flores as another arm who is originally from Cuba. Edelvis is from Sancti Spiritus, Cuba but defected in May and currently resides in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic where he is trained by Hector Berrios.

The 18-year-old 6'3' 200lbs right-hander is expected to sign for $415K. He offers a three-pitch mix that includes a fastball that currently sits at 92-94 mph, a slider at 83-84 mph, and a changeup at 80-81 mph. His fastball has the potential to reach the upper 90s in the future and both breaking balls could develop into above-average pitches.

Like his fellow countryman Flores, he is a little older than the typical international sign but also has pitched internationally for Cuba's 18 and under team and is said to be more advanced in his development.

Juneiker Caceres - OF

AGE - 16

BATS - L

DOB - 8/15/2007

THROWS - L

HT - 5'11

WT - 172

Caceres is from Falcon, Venezuela, and trains out of Pablo Sandoval 48 Academy. The 16-year-old outfield prospect is the youngest player in this international class for the Guardians and will not turn 17 until 8/15/2004. He is expected to sign for $350K.

Juneiker is said to have a high baseball IQ plays very aggressively and is a leader and tremendous teammate. 

Johan Rodriguez - SS

AGE - 16

BATS - Right

DOB - 7/28/2007

THROWS - Right

HT - 5'9 

WT - 165

Rodriguez is the third Cuban-born player the Guardians are signing for this upcoming class. The 16-year-old shortstop prospect is originally from Santiago, Cuba before defecting and currently lives and trains in the Dominican Republic with Edgar Mercedes at Born To Play Baseball Academy. He is expected to sign for $325K.

Rodrigue baseball IQ is said to be way beyond his current age as well as his defense with his glove, arm and range comparable to a collegiate player.

Johan should be able to stick to the shortstop position as he continues to develop and mature. He has an uncanny knack for knowing where he needs to be in every play.

As a hitter, he is a gap-to-gap hitter that drives the ball well and can surprise with occasional pop when he runs into the right pitch.

Dauri Fernandez - SS

AGE - 16

BATS - S

DOB - 3/07/2007

THROWS - R

HT - 5'11

WT - 154

The 5'11 16-year-old switch-hitting shortstop prospect Fernandez is from Bonoa, Dominican Republic, and trains out of Chiqui Mejia Academy. Fernandez is expected to sign for $285K.

Fernandez is said to be able to handle both sides of the plate well with good contact skills. Daurin plays above-average defense with a strong arm. He has some speed as well clocking 6.5 seconds in the 60-yard dash.

Randy Martinez - SS

AGE - 16

BATS - S

DOB - 4/17/2007

THROWS - R

HT - 5'11

WT - 176

Martinez is out of Caracas, Venezuela the same city that produced current Guardians infielder Brayan Rocchio. Randy trains at Santana 50 Baseball Academy. He is expected to sign for $275K.

The 16-year-old switch-hitting shortstop prospect can hit to all fields from both sides of the plate. He is considered an above-average defender with average speed.

Yeiferth Castillo - OF

AGE - 17

BATS - L

DOB -11/18/2006

THROWS - L

HT - 5'9

WT - 164

The 17-year-old outfield prospect Castillo is out of Barquisimeto, Venezuela. He trains with Estrellas Baseball Academy. He is expected to sign for $225K.

Yeiferth is a very disciplined player and mature for his age. He also has above-average speed which he utilizes well both on defense and on the basepaths.

Romer Taveras - OF

AGE - 17

BATS - L

DOB - 11/09/2006

THROWS - L

HT - 5'9

WT - 145

Taveras is out of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. The 17-year-old outfield prospect trains at E&L Pichardo Baseball Academy. He is expected to sign for $200K.

Romer is a humble hard worker who is very passionate about the game. At the plate, he is a very confident young hitter with good discipline. On defense, he has a strong arm and plays all out in the field. 

Santiago Ustariz - C

AGE - 17

BATS - L

DOB - 11/08/2006

THROWS - R

HT - 5'11

WT - 185

Ustariz is out of Caracas, Venezuela. The 17-year-old catching prospect is trained by his uncle at Ustacademia. He is expected to sign for $150K.

Ustariz has a sweet left-handed stroke at the plate and may have the ability to add more power as he continues to develop and mature.

Dariel Arias - SS

AGE - 17

BATS - L

DOB - 7/10/2006

THROWS - R

HT - 5'10

WT - 150

The 17-year-old shortstop prospect Arias is from Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He trains out of Sierra Academy. Dariel is expected to sign for $115K.

Carlos Caripa - OF

AGE - 16

BATS - L

DOB - 6/29/2007

THROWS - L

HT - 5'10

WT - 168

The 16-year-old outfield prospect Caripa is from Barquisimeto, Venezuela. He is the second prospect from this international signing class that trains out of Estrellas Baseball Academy. Carlos is expected to sign for $105K.

Osmar Torrealba - OF

AGE - 16

BATS - L

DOB - 4/02/2007

THROWS - L

HT - 5'8

WT - 165

Torrealba is the third player to come out of Barquisimeto, Venezuela in this Guardians international signing class. Unlike the first two players who train at Estrellas Baseball Academy Osmar is trained by Pete Hidalgo. The 16-year-old outfield prospect is expected to sign for $72K.

Torrealba's plus tools are his hit tool and his defensive ability in center field. He runs well with a 6.75-second 60-yard dash. His arm strength is considered average. 

Hector Castillo - RHP

AGE - 16

BATS - R

DOB - 5/02/2007

THROWS - R

HT - 6'1 

WT - 175

Castillo is out of Santiago, Dominican Republic where he is trained by Miguel Suriel. The 16-year-old right-handed pitcher is expected to sign for $70K.

Wilineyer Ardiles - RHP

AGE - 16

BATS - R

DOB - 8/14/2007

THROWS - R

HT - 5'11

WT - 155

Ardiles the second youngest player in the class is from Cua, Venezuela. He will not turn 17 until 8/14/2007. The young right-handed pitcher is trained by Carlos Yanez. He is expected to sign for $65K.

Wilineyer offers a three-pitch mix that includes a fastball that sits around 88-91 mph, a curve at 74-76 mph, and a changeup at 80-82 mph. He is said to have good command and control of all three pitches. His velo should continue to increase as he continues to mature and fill out while adding more muscle.

Steven Cruz - SS

AGE - 17

BATS - S

DOB - 8/12/2006

THROWS - R

HT - 5'7

WT - 150

Cruz is a 17-year-old switch-hitting shortstop prospect out of Santiago, Dominican Republic. He trains with Papucho All-Star Academy. Cruz is expected to sign for $60K.

Alejandro Rivera - RHP

AGE - 17

BATS - R

DOB - 12/27/2006

THROWS - R

HT - 5'8

WT - 143

Rivera is a 17-year-old right-handed pitcher out of Caracas, Venezuela. He is trained by Luis Meneses. Rivera has a three-pitch mix of a fastball, changeup, and curve. He is expected to sign for $48K.

Wuinder Torres - C

AGE - 16

BATS - R

DOB - 1/28/2007

THROWS - R

HT - 5'11

WT - 175

Torres is a 16-year-old catching prospect out of Valencia, Venezuela. He trains at Jose Bellorin Baseball Academy. Torres is expected to sign for $44K.

Carlos Garces - SS

AGE - 17

BATS - S

DOB - 9/30/2006

THROWS - R

HT - 5'7

WT - 150

Garces is a 17-year-old switch-hitting shortstop prospect out of Valencia, Venezuela. He trains at KPL Baseball Academy. Garces is expected to sign for $28K.

Carlos is said to make good contact from both sides of the plate. He has a lot of range and confidence on defense. Needs to work on getting stronger and driving the ball more.

Erich Tovar - RHP

AGE - 17

BATS - R

DOB - 11/11/2006

THROWS - R

HT - 5'10

WT - 154

Tovar is a right-handed pitcher out of Maracay, Venezuela. The 17-year-old trains with the Nueva Era Baseball Program. He is expected to sign for $23K.

Tovar is an undersized righty with the ability to throw strikes and has an above-average secondary offering.

Raul Trujillo - RHP

AGE - 16

BATS - R

DOB - 5/20/2007

THROWS - R

HT - 6'1 

WT - 207

Trujillo is a 6'1' 207 lbs 16-year-old right-handed pitcher out of Valencia, Venezuela. He trains with the All-Star Baseball Academy and Avino team. Trujillo is expected to sign for $20K.

Raul throws a four-pitch mix that includes a fastball that tops out around 92-93 mph. He also offers a curve, changeup, and a slider. Trujillo has a terrific physique with good projection and should be able to add more velo as he matures.

Delni Uribe - RHP

AGE - 16

BATS - R

DOB - 3/01/07

THROWS - R

HT - 5'9

WT - 151

Uribe is a 16-year-old right-handed pitcher out of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic. He trains with Sandy La Bruja. Uribe is expected to sign for $20K.

Alejandro Blasco - SS

AGE - 16

BATS - S

DOB - 7/29/2007

THROWS - R

HT - 5'6

WT - 154

The 16-year-old switch-hitting shortstop prospect Blasco is from Puerto Cabello, Venezuela. He trains at LSPRO Academy with Leopoldo Sandoval. Blasco is expected to sign for $10K.

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Todd Paquette
TODD PAQUETTE

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