The Latin American winter leagues are a chance for players to perform in their home countries while testing their skills against players across different levels of professional baseball. Intense games are the norm, and create a different experience whether a player is a prospect trying to improve his skill set or a former big leaguer hoping to return to pro ball.
The Estrellas Orientales, the champions of the Dominican League last year, did not qualify for the 2020 round-robin playoff tournament. Shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. was not able to play for the club after a stress fracture in his back limited him to 83 games as a Padres rookie.
After a lackluster start, Estrellas manager Fernando Tatis Sr. was let go on Nov. 7, less than a full season after hoisting the championship trophy, the club’s first in the six-team Dominican League since 1968.
Here are 10 prospects who captured the attention of scouts this winter, predominantly in the Dominican League.
JOSE SIRI, OF, MARINERS GIGANTES DEL CIBAO (DOMINICAN)
It was more of the same for Siri in the Dominican League. While scouts have noticed an improved approach at the plate, Siri hit just .196/.264/.411 in 31 games for Cibao. He showed the ability to elevate the ball more frequently, which helped him hit six homers. The Reds designated Siri for assignment when they signed outfielder Nick Castellanos, but he was subsequently claimed on waivers by Seattle. Siri is a 24-year-old, righthanded-hitting athlete with power, speed and defensive chops, which could be valuable to the rebuilding Mariners.
WANDER FRANCO, SS, RAYS GIGANTES DEL CIBAO (DOMINICAN)
Denne historien er fra March 2020-utgaven av Baseball America.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra March 2020-utgaven av Baseball America.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Wood Has Towering Upside- Nationals rookie James Wood also stands 6-foot-7 and also has game-changing power.
Aaron Judge and Oneil Cruz are 6-foot7 sluggers who stand out for their power in this year’s MLB Best Tools voting. Wood spent half of this season with Triple-A Rochester before making his MLB debut on July 1. While he was in the International League, he captured managers’ attention. Wood unanimously won Best Power Prospect and also claimed Most Exciting Player in a survey of league skippers. Wood hit .353/.463/.595 with 10 home runs in 52 games for Rochester. His .242 isolated slugging was the best for a player 21 or younger at Triple-A this season.
ROAD BLOCK?
Scholarship expansion puts mid-majors at a major disadvantage on the road to Omaha
ROYALS REVIVAL
A revamped and rejuvenated farm system has Kansas City ready to rebound
SUMMER STANDOUTS
The top prospects in summer college leagues are poised to impact the 2025 draft
FLORIDA COMPLEX LEAGUE TOP 10
Last year’s Florida Complex League prospect crop has been beset by lengthy injuries to many of its top players, including Yankees pitchers Henry Lalane and Carlos Lagrange, Mets infielder Marco Vargas and Red Sox catcher Johanfran Garcia.
IN WITH THE NEW
The 2024 draft is in the books. The trade deadline is history.
WALCOTT BLASTS OFF
It took some time for Rangers shortstop Sebastian Walcott to find his footing at High-A Hickory.
A RECORD NIGHT FOR COLLEGIANS
Four key takeaways from the 2024 draft
K.C.MASTERPIECE
Shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. wins games for the Royals with his bat, glove, speed and baseball IQ. He might be the most tooled-up player in the game.
HOW THE MAJORS HAVE CHANGED FOR YOUNG PLAYERS
When negotiating the 2022 Collective Bargaining Agreement, the MLB Players Association prioritized the earning power of young major league players, especially young stars.
