While the Astros didn’t sign Yordan Alvarez as an international free agent out of Cuba, the three-time All-Star has undoubtedly become the face of Cuban baseball in Houston.
The club repeatedly taps into the baseball-rich island to find talent, and 2025 is no different. Kevin Alvarez, MLB Pipeline’s No. 7 international prospect, is in agreement to join the Astros as the headlining signee of their class.
Alvarez’s deal is worth $2 million. The club received $5.65 million in pool money this year.
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“Alvarez is a loose and flexible left-handed-hitting outfielder with above-average tools across the board,” Astros senior scouting advisor Charlie Gonzalez said. “He combines standout hit-ability with power at the plate, and his above-average arm and natural instincts make him a strong defender. His feel for the game, confidence and outstanding baseball makeup make him an exciting addition to our organization.”
Born in Matanzas, Cuba, Alvarez (no relation to Yordan) and his father relocated to the Dominican Republic in December 2021 as a means of preparing for a career in the game. He has drawn rave reviews from scouts who have monitored his progress over the past few years and has continually improved all facets of his game. Alvarez trains with Javier Rodríguez, a member of MLB’s Trainer Partnership Program, at La Alianza in Santo Domingo East.
Alvarez is one of just three prospects who received a 65-grade hit tool, tied for the tops among all members of the 2025 international class. But he also earned a 60-grade power tool, a testament to his all-around hitting ability and tremendously advanced left-handed swing. Already standing 6-foot-3 by the time he turned 16, there is a bit of an upswing to his bat path, but he has above-average strike zone feel at this stage.
If a sweet-swinging lefty outfielder with a power stroke and advanced hitting ability sounds familiar, you’re not alone in thinking of the Kyle Tucker comparison. One scout noted the parallels between the two; depending on how rapidly Alvarez accelerates through the system, it’s within reason to believe he could become the club’s most highly regarded prospect since Tucker. There were multiple evaluators who indicated to MLB.com that they believed Alvarez could be the best player from this class when reflecting back years down the line.
Alvarez also finds himself inextricably linked to another Cuban: Pedro León, the Astros’ No. 22 prospect. When León signed with Houston in January 2021, he did so for an international club record-setting $4 million. It also marks the most recent time that the club landed a player who ranked in the Top 10 of MLB Pipeline’s international prospects list.
“Alvarez’s polished skillset stood out to us during the scouting process,” Astros international scouting director Brian Rodgers said. “His maturity and baseball IQ further separated him from his peers. We are thrilled to welcome Alvarez to the Astros and look forward to supporting him in his development.”
Alvarez was one of 20 international free agents agreeing to terms with Houston on Wednesday, including eight players from Venezuela, six from the Dominican Republic, four from Mexico and one each from Colombia and Cuba.
This group includes Venezuelan outfielder Anthony Millán, an impressive athlete who can hit the ball hard to all fields. He has plus speed and is a natural center fielder with good instincts and a strong arm. Dominican pitcher Omar Damián is a lanky right-hander with an advanced feel for his three-pitch mix, including a changeup that generates significant swing-and-miss.
The Astros’ ability to uncover international talent has been a key part of their sustained success over the past decade. Currently, 10 of their Top 30 prospects have come from the international market. Houston also has several impact Major League players who were signed internationally, including starting pitchers Framber Valdez, Ronel Blanco, Cristian Javier and Luis Garcia and reliever Bryan Abreu.
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, 2007, and Aug. 31, 2008, 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.
Additional notable Astros signees and their bonuses:
Anthony Millán, OF, Venezuela -- $472,500
Juan Rojas, SS, Dominican Republic -- $447,500
Omar Damian, RHP, Dominican Republic -- $397,500
Santiago Martinez, SS, Venezuela -- $347,500