Prospect Watch: Top 5 International Players

In 2015, Major League Baseball saw some of its greatest young talent make their debut and started to change the way we see the game. In anticipation of the 2016 season, check out the top five international prospects that just might achieve their Big League dreams this season.

1-RHP Yadier Alvarez– LA Dodgers

The nineteen-year-old was signed by the Dodgers this past July after excelling in Cuba. The right-hander has a fastball in the very high 90’s and a solid slider and change-up.

2-RHP Vladimir Gutierrez– Unsigned

The 20 year old out of Cuba is currently unsigned but still a big win for any team looking for long relief or bullpen help. He has a good pitches in his fastball and curveball and solid control.

3-OF Yusniel Diaz–LA Dodgers

Another Cuban native, the nineteen-year-old Diaz hit .348 in his last season with the Havana Industriales along with slugging .440. He signed with Dodgers this past November after they were impressed with his bat speed as well as athletic speed. He will need some work on mechanics but once he gets to play everyday all of that will improve.

4-SS Alfredo Rodriguez–Cincinnati Reds

The twenty-one year-old shortstop signed with the Reds last January. He has good defensive skills and athleticism but needs a little work at the plate. By working through the Minor Leagues he will have the opportunity to work on his hitting by seeing more pitches and more playing time.

5-OF Eddie Martinez–Chicago Cubs

The twenty-one-year-old signed with the Cubs this past October after playing with the Cuban League the Las Tunas. As a solid center fielder, Martinez is a solid base stealer and has a strong bat that should lead him to be a power hitter with a large homerun count.