The Tampa Bay Rays have signed international free agent right-handed pitcher Sandy Gastón to a minor league contract. The Matanzas, Cuba, native is 6'3", 200 pounds and will turn 17 on Dec. 16.
Gastón was scouted and signed by Rays Director of International Scouting Carlos Rodriguez and Dominican Republic Scouting Supervisor Danny Santana. Among international prospects eligible to sign this year, Baseball America rated him the No. 24 prospect overall, No. 6 pitching prospect, No. 4 prospect out of Cuba and the top-rated prospect who had remained unsigned. 
"We believe Sandy is a high-caliber pitching prospect with potential elite major league fastball, quality secondary components and possesses the physical and mental characteristics to develop into an impactful major league pitcher," said Rodriguez. "His size, arm talent and age make him a very unique pitcher. We are thrilled to add him to our signing class and into the Rays organization."