As expected, the Cubs signed Venezuelan shortstop Gleyber Torres for $1.7 million. Torres is considered the top shortstop and MLB.com ranked Torres as the third best international prospect in this year’s class.
With the signings of Torres and Jefferson Mejia, the Cubs have reportedly spent $2.55 million of their available $4.56 million bonus pool. Rumors suggested the Cubs were trying to add more than $2 million in bonus pool money via trade before the signing period began.
Gleyber Torres is 6-foot-0, 170 pounds and according to scouting reports, Torres is seen as a right-handed hitter who will be able to stick at shortstop due to excellent hands, great feet, a strong arm and the ability to hit in games with projectable power that is surprising for his size.
Scouts like his baseball instincts and leadership abilities. Torres could sign a bonus similar to the one Mark Malave signed in 2011. The Cubs inked the third baseman to a $1.6 million contract.
MLB.com ranked Gleyber Torres as the third best prospect in this year’s class.
Scouting Grades* (present/future): Hit: 4/6 | Power: 4/6 | Run: 4/4 | Arm: 5/6 | Field: 5/5
The top player from Venezuela in this year’s class, Gleyber does everything well. He has a smooth compact swing and the ball jumps off his bat. Scouts like that he can spray the ball all over the field with power and believe he has a chance to be a special hitter.
A solid defender, Torres has excellent hands, great feet and he’s known to have an accurate arm with above-average strength. He’s impressed scouts with his ability to make all of the routine plays and an occasional great play. He is particularly adept on his glove-hand side and continues to show improvement on all-around defense.
Torres isn’t the biggest prospect on the field but he has an athletic build and is strong for his size. Scouts have taken notice of his baseball instincts and his leadership abilities, and he quickly built a reputation as a fundamentally sound player. Torres trains with Ciro Barrios in Maracay.