White Sox Announce 16 Signings in 2025 International Class
Top Prospects Among the Signings
The Chicago White Sox announced they agreed to terms on contracts with 16 international players Wednesday, which include two players ranked inside Baseball America’s Top 100 international prospects available in 2025.
Cuban third baseman Alejandro Cruz checks in at No. 17 and Venezuelan outfielder Orlando Patiño is ranked at No. 81 by Baseball America.
Alejandro Cruz: A Power-Hitting Third Baseman
According to Baseball America’s Ben Badler, international scouts praise Cruz’s ability to hit from the right side of the plate. At 18 years old and weighing in at 185 pounds, Cruz doesn’t have the prototypical third base power coveted at the big league level just yet, but there’s room for him to fill out his 6-foot-3-inch frame and grow into average power.
On the defensive side of the ball, Cruz has an above-average arm and should be able to handle everyday duties at third base.
Orlando Patiño: A Corner Outfielder with Strength and Power
Patiño has a linebacker’s build, writes Badler. He’s a corner outfielder with strength and power in his right-handed swing with a plus arm that should fit in well patrolling right field.
Other Notable Signings
Other international prospects to keep an eye on are Yordani Soto and Yobal Rodriguez. Soto is a 16-year-old, 6-foot-1-inch, switch-hitting shortstop from the Dominican Republic who possesses good bat speed and power potential at a young age. Rodriguez is a 16-year-old right-handed pitcher out of Cuba with a fastball that already touches 93 mph and a changeup that profiles as advanced for his age.
The Complete List of Signings
Here is a list of all 16 international prospects signed:
| Player | Pos. | Age | Ht. | Wt. | Hometown |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alejandro Cruz | 3B | 18 | 6-3 | 185 | Sancti Spiritus, Cuba |
| Orlando Patiño | OF | 17 | 6-2 | 180 | Porlamar, Venezuela |
| Frank Mieses | OF | 16 | 6-1 | 170 | Higüey, D.R |
| César Familia | RHP | 17 | 6-3 | 190 | Dajabón, D.R. |
| Albert Múñoz | RHP | 16 | 6-2 | 160 | Manoguayabo, D.R. |
| Félix Doroteo | RHP | 19 | 6-6 | 195 | La Romana, D.R. |
| Nathanael Valerio | RHP | 17 | 5-11 | 165 | Puerto Plata, D.R. |
| Yobal Rodríguez | RHP | 16 | 6-2 | 155 | Ciego de Ávila, Cuba |
| Yordani Soto | INF | 16 | 5-11 | 150 | Baní, D.R. |
| Alan Escobar | OF | 16 | 6-0 | 185 | Caracas, Venezuela |
| Jelfrank Silva | INF | 17 | 6-1 | 190 | Maracaibo, Venezuela |
| Jhonny Morao | RHP | 17 | 6-2 | 175 | Porlamar, Venezuela |
| Diego Natera | C | 17 | 5-10 | 190 | Puerto La Cruz, Venezuela |
| Jeremías Aponte | OF | 17 | 6-1 | 170 | Caracas, Venezuela |
| José Mendoza | C | 16 | 6-2 | 210 | Barquisimeto, Venezuela |
| Igor Escobar | INF | 16 | 5-11 | 155 | Macuto, Venezuela |
Trend of Emphasizing Hitters
The signings follow a trend of the White Sox emphasizing the acquisition of talented hitters across their minor-league system.
On top of the ten position players they signed from this year’s international class, the Sox also acquired a handful of impact prospects in the deal that sent staff ace Garrett Crochet to Boston.
Conclusion
The White Sox have made a significant investment in their international scouting department, signing 16 talented players from around the world. These signings will likely have a lasting impact on the team’s minor-league system and potentially the major league roster in the years to come.
FAQs
Q: What is the significance of the two players ranked inside Baseball America’s Top 100 international prospects available in 2025?
A: The signings of Alejandro Cruz and Orlando Patiño are significant because they demonstrate the White Sox’ commitment to acquiring top talent from around the world.
Q: What is the trend of the White Sox’ international signings?
A: The trend is to emphasize the acquisition of talented hitters across their minor-league system.
Q: What is the significance of the deal that sent Garrett Crochet to Boston?
A: The deal allowed the White Sox to acquire a handful of impact prospects, including Kyle Teel, Braden Montgomery, Chase Meidroth, and Wikelman Gonzalez, who will likely have a significant impact on the team’s minor-league system and potentially the major league roster in the years to come.
