Astros sign 13 international free agents
HOUSTON, TX -- The Houston Astros have agreed to terms on contracts with 13 international free agents, including nine players from the Dominican Republic, three from Venezuela and one from the Bahamas. The announcement was made by Eve Rosenbaum, Astros Manager, International Scouting. Terms of the contracts were not disclosed.
“We are very excited about today’s signings,” Rosenbaum stated. “From the Dominican Republic and Venezuela, we have a strong pitching and catching class, as well as a talented group of infielders and outfielders. With the signing of OF Everette Cooper, today also marks our organization’s first acquisition of a Bahamian player in more than 50 years.
“It is a tremendous effort by both the scouts and the front office to put together an international signing class, and we look forward to adding to our class during the rest of the period.”
The current MLB International signing period, which began today, is from July 2 through June 15, 2020.
One of the players signed by the Astros, IF Dauri Lorenzo, is MLB.com’s #14 ranked international prospect in the 2019 class. “Dauri Lorenzo is an athletic and projectable 16-year-old switch-hitter,” said Roman Ocumarez, Astros Assistant Director of International Scouting. “He has a smooth, compact swing with a great ability to hit and solid defense. We had the chance to see him several times and he always stood out for his hitting ability. Lorenzo also has great makeup and attitude on and off the field. We are very happy to acquire him.”
Overall, today’s announced signings consist of five outfielders, three infielders, three pitchers and two catchers. Below is a list of the 13 international free agents signed by the Astros today:
Fernando Caldera Coro, VZ C 5’11 170 R/R
Everett Cooper Nassau, Bahamas OF 6’0 165 R/R
Denfry De La Cruz SF de Macoris, DR OF 6’1 190 R/R
Luis Encarnacion Santo Domingo, DR IF 5’8 170 R/R
Elvis Garcia Caucagua, VZ RHP 6’0 165 R/R
Richi Gonzalez Santo Domingo, DR OF 6’2 182 R/R
Danyuri Guzman Monte Cristi, DR IF 6’0 154 R/R
Dauri Lorenzo Hato Mayor, DR IF 5’10 168 S/R
Eurys Martich San Cristobal, DR RHP 6’3 206 R/R
Christopher Morales S.P. de Macoris, DR OF 6’1 170 R/R
Josue Payano Monsenor Nouel, DR IF 5’10 150 R/R
Luis Perez Cotui, DR OF 5’10 193 R/R
Juan Santander Barquisimeto, VZ C 6’2 180 R/R