It’s International Signing Day in Major League Baseball.
January 15th marks the first day that young players from international markets can begin their journey toward the major leagues. For many of these players, the beginning of the International Signing Period marks the end of a multi-year recruitment period by several major league clubs and important decision-making at the ages of just 16 or 17 years old.
Here is more information on the International Signing Period, according to Baseball America:
“While players routinely have agreements lined up to sign with clubs multiple years in advance, Jan. 15 is the first date when they can officially sign contracts. Just like draft picks or major league free agents, none of these agreements are official until a player has signed his contract, completed his physical and been approved by the commissioner’s office. Some players will sign their contracts today, while others who have agreements in place will sign their contracts later this week or after that in some cases. The signing period is open until Dec. 15, 2024.”
In recent years, the White Sox have used the International Signing Period to sign notable prospects such as Oscar Colas, Erick Hernandez, Bryan Ramos, Norge Vera, Christian Mena, and many others. During the 2024 period, the White Sox have a bonus pool of $5,925,000 which they can use for any deals.
According to Baseball America, the White Sox have reached agreements with the following players thus far:
- Eduardo Herrera, 3B, Venezuela
- Judrick Profar, SS, Curacao
- Jesus Premoli, 3B, Venezuela
- Orlando Suarez, RHP, Venezuela
- Juan Berroteran, SS, Venezuela
- Alexandre Valdiviezo, RHP, Venezuela
- Manuel Rumbos, RHP, Venezuela
The team will likely issue a press release in the coming days with additional details, including the full financial amounts for each deal. Until then, here’s what we know about the players who are set to join the organization.
As more updates about this class become available, we will continue to make additions to this article.
Eduardo Herrera, 3B, Venezuela
Agreement Amount: TBD
MLB Pipeline Scouting Grades: Fastball: 55 | Curveball: 50 | Slider: 50 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 50 | Overall: 50
Herrera is a terrific addition to this farm system. Ranked as the 11th overall international prospect according to MLB Pipeline, he will likely remain the highest-rated player in this international signing class for the White Sox.
A former shortstop who shifted over to third base as he grew, he has the arm and athleticism to stay at the hot corner as of now. It is possible, however, that he eventually outgrows the position and shifts over to first base. What really has scouts intrigued, however, is his bat and overall power potential. In fact, he received the only 60-grade power tool of all MLB Pipeline’s Top 50 international prospects.
Between his strong bat and large 6-foot-2, 200-pound frame, Herrera has notably drawn comparisons to a teenage Albert Pujols.
Here’s what MLB Pipeline has to say:
“As far as pure power hitters are concerned, Herrera’s potential ranks among the best in this year’s class. With a hulking 6-foot-2, 200-pound frame, the teen ultimately projects to be a big bat in the middle of a lineup. It’s worth noting that scouts rave about his ability to make adjustments from pitch to pitch at the plate and handle both fastball and offspeed offerings. The shortstop-turned-third baseman has drawn comparisons to a teenage Albert Pujols — in terms of body type and raw power — and scouts have applauded his competitiveness.
Hererra played for the Venezuelan 18-and-under National Team when he was just 15 years old. For his size, Herrera is a decent runner and has the work ethic to get even better with time. Defensively, Herrera made the switch over to third base after outgrowing shortstop. At the hot corner, he is an average defender and could eventually move to first if he outgrows third.”
Judrick Profar, SS, Curacao
Agreement Amount: TBD
The White Sox were first rumored to have a connection to the 17-year-old shortstop back in December. Though the official financials haven’t come through just yet, Francys Romero reports that he will sign for around $700,000.
Profar is the younger brother of MLB veteran and former top prospect Jurickson Profar. Already possessing a 6-foot-3 frame, there are concerns he could outgrow the shortstop position eventually. However, he shows good actions and instincts in the field and has a chance to be average or better at all five tools.
Jesus Premoli, 3B, Venezuela
Agreement Amount: TBD
Experienced at both catcher and third base, it appears that the 6-foot-3, 200-pound Premoli has focused more on his work at the hot corner as of late. His bat should profile just fine there, as he possesses plenty of raw power from the left side of the plate. He came in at 72nd in Baseball America’s Top 100 bonus board and offers plenty of offensive upside for the White Sox organization.
Orlando Suarez, RHP, Venezuela
Agreement Amount: TBD
Suarez was identified by Ben Badler from Baseball America as one of the more intriguing international prospects to sign for under $1 million in the 2024 class. At just 17, the 6-foot-2 right-hander utilizes a five pitch mix that includes a mid 90s fastball, a curveball and a change up that have shown to be solid secondary offerings, and both a slider and and splitter that he has mixed in. His smooth delivery and repeatable mechanics bode well for his future outlook to stick as a potential member of the starting rotation.
Juan Berroteran, SS, Venezuela
Agreement Amount: TBD
More info to come.
Alexandre Valdiviezo, RHP, Venezuela
Agreement Amount: TBD
More info to come.
Manuel Rumbos, RHP, Venezuela
Agreement Amount: TBD
More info to come.
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