The St. Louis Cardinals today announced the signings of 13 international free-agents from the first day of Major League Baseball's international signing period for 2016-17.
Headlining the first day signings, announced by Cardinals Director of International Operations Moises Rodriguez, were outfielder Victor Garcia (Barcelona, Venezuela) and right-handed pitcher Johan Oviedo (La Habana, Cuba).
Garcia, 16, is considered to be among the top-ranked bats in the July 2 class. "Garcia has a high offensive ceiling with run-producing potential at a corner outfield position," said Rodriguez. "He possesses a strong combination of hitting ability and future power." The 6-3, 215-pound Garcia is a native of Barcelona, Venezuela and he bats right-handed.
Oviedo, 18, is a physically imposing pitcher who stands 6-6 and weighs 220. "Oviedo has a plus fastball and a three-pitch mix," stated Rodriguez. "He projects as a top of the rotation starter who has an excellent chance to flourish within our system."
The 13 players (nine position players & four pitchers) who have signed are representatives of four countries (Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Mexico and Cuba). The complete list of day one signings follows. Oviedo, catcher Carlos Soto, right-handed pitcher Enmanuel Solano and outfielder Diomedes Del Rio will be activated to play for the Cardinals 2016 DSL team; all others will be signed for the 2017 minor league season:
JOHAN OVIEDO (RHP)
18 yrs old
DOB: 03/02/1998
Hometown: La Habana, Cuba
6-6, 220 lbs
VICTOR GARCIA (OF) R/R
16 yrs old
DOB: 09/16/1999
Hometown: Barcelona, Venezuela
6-3, 215 lbs.
CARLOS SOLER (OF) L/R
16 yrs old
DOB: 10/29/1999
Hometown: Santo Domingo, Dom. Rep
6-2, 163 lbs
FRANKLIN SOTO (SS) R/R
16 yrs old
DOB: 09/23/1999
Hometown: San Cristobal, Dom. Rep.
5-11, 168 lbs
CARLOS SOTO (C) L/R
17 yrs old
DOB: 04/27/1999
Hometown: Los Mochis, Mexico
6-2, 220 lbs.
ALLINSON BENITEZ (RHP)
16 yrs old
DOB: 11/04/1999
Hometown: Chivacoa, Venezuela
6-4, 200 lbs.
DIOMEDES DEL RIO (CF) L/L
18 yrs old
DOB: 09/15/1997
Hometown: Caracas, Venezuela
5-10, 160 lbs.
LUIS MONTANO (OF) L/R
16 yrs old
DOB: 04/10/2000
Hometown: Santo Domingo, Dom. Rep.
6-2; 170 lbs
YOWELFY ROSARIO (SS) R/R
16 yrs old
DOB: 06/09/2000
Hometown: Santiago, Dom. Rep.
6-3, 165 lbs
ALEXANDER SAMUEL (OF) R/R
16 yrs old
DOB: 03/24/2000
Hometown: Santo Domingo, Dom. Rep.
6-3, 190 lbs.
ENMANUEL SOLANO (RHP)
17 yrs old
DOB: 09/23/1998
Hometown: Santo Domingo, Dom. Rep.
6-1, 160 lbs
JOYSER GARCIA (C) R/R
16 yrs old
DOB: 10/14/1999
Hometown: Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela
5-10, 165 lbs.
RODARD AVELINO (RHP)
17 yrs old
DOB: 06/03/1999
Hometown: Villa Altagracia, Dom. Rep.
6-1, 170 lbs