HOUSTON -- The Houston Astros have agreed to terms on contracts with 14 international free agents, including eight players from the Dominican Republic, five from Venezuela and one from Cuba. The announcement was made by Mike Elias, Astros assistant general manager, player acquisition. Terms of the contracts were not disclosed.
"Today's signings are the result of a large and coordinated effort by many people in the Astros organization, including members of the front office, international operations staff, player development personnel, and the sports medicine department," Elias said. "Our international scouting staff , led by Roman Ocumarez and Eve Rosenbaum, has done a terrific job finding, evaluating and signing these players and compiling a diverse and talented 'J2' class."
Ocumarez serves as the Astros Assistant Director, International Scouting, while Rosenbaum is the club's Manager, International Scouting.
"July 2 marks the beginning of the international signing period, and we are still working toward additional signings, some of which we hope to secure very soon," Elias said. "Bringing quality, international talent into our pipeline year after year has been a key component of our organizational strategy, and we expect these young players to further strengthen our thriving farm system."
Included in today's announced signings are five pitchers, five outfielders, three infielders and one catcher. See below for a listing of the 14 international free agents signed by the Astros today:
Ayendy Ortiz, SS, San Pedro de Macoris, DR
Carlos Calderon, RHP, San Cristobal, DR
Cristian Gonzalez, SS, Azua, DR
Daniel Pacheco, RHP, Puerto Ordaz, VZ
Danny Subero, RHP, Caracas, VZ
Frank Perez, OF, Ciego de Avila, Cuba
Jairo Jose, OF, Santo Domingo Este, DR
Jesus Liranzo, OF, Santo Domingo, DR
Johangel Ramirez, RHP, Maturin, VZ
Miguel Palma, C, Caracas, VZ
Omar Diaz, OF, Santo Domingo Este, DR
Reimy Beltre, RHP, Bonao, DR
Tomas Ramirez, OF, Santo Domingo, DR
Yohander Martinez, SS, Caracas, VZ