Astros land 9 on International Signing Day
Brian McTaggart
@brianmctaggartHOUSTON -- The Astros on Monday agreed to terms with nine international free agents. The Astros have a $5.284 million pool this year.
“Today is an exciting day for the organization, as we welcome the newest crop of prospects to the Astros in the first wave of our 2024 international signing class,” Astros international scouting director Brian Rodgers said in a statement. “Not only is this a talented and deep group that we expect to bolster our farm system, but it is made up of young men who have worked hard to reach this first milestone along the path to the ultimate goal of making an impact at the Major League level. They have truly earned the opportunity to become professional ballplayers, and we could not be happier for them and their families.
"The process of acquiring standout international talent is the ultimate team effort. These signings would not be possible without the support of ownership, the tireless work of our field scouting staff, the diligence of our office contingent and the contributions of other departments within baseball operations. We are excited to continue supporting these players on their journey to Minute Maid Park.”
An international player is eligible to sign with a Major League team between Jan. 15 and Dec. 15. He must turn 16 before he signs and be 17 before Sept. 1 the following year.
That means players born between Sept. 1, 2006, and Aug. 31, 2007, will be eligible to sign in the current signing period. Players must be registered with Major League Baseball in advance to be eligible to sign.
Among the Astros’ international class of 2024 are two Cuban outfielders, Cesar Hernandez and Luis Rives. Hernandez, who sources said received a $1.7 million signing bonus, is a 20-year-old left-handed hitter, and Rives is a 19-year-old switch-hitter. Franchely Silverio, a 17-year-old Dominican infielder, agreed to a $672,500 signing bonus, according to sources.
Other players joining the Astros’ organization are Alexi Quiroz, a 17-year-old catcher from Venezuela; Amauri Ramirez, a 16-year-old outfielder from Lancaster, Pa., who moved to the Dominican Republic; Angel Peralta, a 17-year-old right-handed pitcher from Santiago, Dominican Republic; Cristian Navarro, a 16-year-old right-hander from Chiriqui, Panama; Eduardito Lopez, a 16-year-old infielder from Nagua, Dominican Republic; and Kevin Santana, a 16-year-old right-hander from Miches, Dominican Republic.