January 15 is a big day for MLB clubs, agents, scouts, training facilities and academies, and, of course, young players in Latin America.
It’s the day in which the new period of international free agency opens, and prospects can sign with the teams they have committed their future to.
Except for the finalists in the Roki Sasaki sweepstakes, most teams will start signing these commits on Wednesday.
One of these squads, the Cleveland Guardians, is known for its strong farm system.
They are currently linked with as many as 26 names in this period, and there could be more if they decide to invest in some players who have decommited from organizations still in the running for Sasaki.
“Cleveland #Guardians are linked to sign 26 players for this year’s international signing period that begins tomorrow, Wednesday, January 15th. The class is headlined by (C) prospect Hiverson Lopez out of Venezuela,” Guardians Prospective posted on X.
Cleveland #Guardians are linked to sign 26 players for this year's international signing period that begins tomorrow Wednesday January 15th. The class is headlined by (C) prospect Hiverson Lopez out of Venezuela.
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– Bonuses#ForTheLand https://t.co/KsiwOUqN3T— Guardians Prospective (@CleGuardPro) January 15, 2025
The Guardians have had much success with international free agents.
Most of their current top prospects are international: Angel Genao, Juan Brito, Angel Martinez, Franco Aleman, Johnathan Rodriguez, and many more.
For this period, their most expensive commit is Lopez, a Venezuelan catcher.
He has been ranked as the 41st-best international prospect by MLB Pipeline.
“Hiverson’s best tool is his bat. He already shows good power for his age with potential to add more has he continues to develop and mature. Lopez has a good balance at the plate with the ability to drive the ball to all fields. His swing is smooth and simple leading to high contact rates while still maintaining the ability to produce impressive bat speed,” Guardians Prospective wrote about Lopez’s offensive profile.
On defense, he explains that he is still developing, but the tools are there for a nice backstop: athleticism, a good arm, accuracy, and good framing skills.
Heins Brito, Luis García, Gustavo Baptista, Jose Riera, Luis Galan, and Rodny Rosario are other talented players expected to join the Guards in this period.
NEXT: 3 Top Guardians Prospects Will Get A Chance To Shine In Camp
