Braves agree to terms with two international prospects
Atlanta -- The Atlanta Braves today announced the club agreed to terms with international amateur shortstop Derian Cruz and outfielder Cristian Pache, both of the Dominican Republic. Both players will report to the organization's Dominican Academy.
"The Braves organization has been committed to adding young, impact talent and the signings of Derian Cruz and Cristian Pache bring us two exciting players with high upside," Braves Assistant General Manager John Coppolella said. "Gordon Blakeley and his entire staff-Marc Russo, Mike Silvestri, Lebi Ochoa, Alex Cotto, and others should all be commended for their hard work."
Cruz, 16, is a switch hitter who throws right-handed. The 6-foot-3, 170-pounder was the fifth-best international prospect and the best overall athlete in the class, according to Baseball America. The native of Santo Domingo, DR, played in the International Prospect League and trained with Javier Rodriguez and Rudy Santin.
Pache, 16, who bats and throws right-handed, was MLBPipeline.com's 10th-best international prospect, while Fangraphs.com ranked the 6-foot-1, 180-pounder 11th overall. Pache, a native of Boca Chica, DR, who trained with Valentin Monero, appeared in Major League Baseball's international showcase in February, going 3-for-6 with a triple, a walk, a stolen base and no strikeouts.