The July 2 International signing period has begun and the Cubs have agreed to terms with several of the players the team has been linked to in recent months.
According to reports from Jesse Sanchez, the Cubs have agreed to sign six International free agents. The Cubs have agreed to terms with the following players: SS Yonathan Perlaza – $1.3 million; OF Yonathan Sierra Estiwal – $2.5 million; SS Aramis Ademan – $2 million; C Miguel Amaya – $1.25 million; RHP Yunior Perez – $600,000; 3B Christopher Martinez – $1 million.
MLB.com Prospect Rankings: SS Yonathan Perlaza (13), OF Yonathan Sierra Estiwal (16), SS Aramis Ademan (19), C Miguel Amaya (25), 3B Christopher Martinez (28)
One of the top International prospects, OF Eddy Julio Martinez is weighing his options, according to Jesse Sanchez, and will not sign with a team Thursday.
The Cubs were expected to exceed its $3,230,700 bonus pool for the 2015-16 signing period. The Cubs can add bonus pool money through trades that could bring the International signing bonus pool to a little less than $5 million ($4,846,050).
Based on the bonuses reported Thursday morning, the Cubs have already spent $8.65 million.
Note: All Player Information from Previous Report – Cubs Expected to be Very Active During 2015-16 International Signing Period
Aramis Ademan, SS
Scouting Grades: Hit: 55 | Power: 35 | Run: 50 | Arm: 50 | Field: 60
Age: 16 (Sept. 13, 1998) – 5-foot-10, 150 pounds – Bats: L Throws R
Aramis Ademan has “the best hands out there right now, no question” according to MLB.com. Ademan has “opened eyes with his athletic ability and skills on defense.” And scouts expect him to grow into his frame. Ademan has shown the ability to hit in games among intense competition. Considered a glove-first player right now that “has to get stronger and become more physical as he matures.”
Ademan is a slick fielder with quick hands and he should stick at shortstop. Ademan has an advanced feel for contact.
Christopher Martinez, 3B
Scouting Grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 50 | Run: 30 | Arm: 50 | Field: 50
Age: 15 (June 28, 1999) – 5-foot-11, 180 pounds – Bats: R Throws R
Christopher Martinez is “considered one of the top infielders in this year’s class.” Martinez has an average arm that should improve as he matures. Martinez has “good defensive instincts and quick hands.” And there is potential for more offense. Martinez has shown the ability to spray the ball to all fields, with patience and plate discipline in games. Martinez has average raw power with above average bat speed.
Yonathan Perlaza, SS
Scouting Grades: Hit: 60 | Power: 50 | Run: 50 | Arm: 60 | Field: 50
Age: 16 (Nov. 10, 1998) – 5-foot-8, 175 pounds – Bats: S Throws R
MLB.com said to “picture Martin Prado as a teenager, that’s how some scouts view Perlaza.”
Considered one of the better hitters of this year’s class, while there is a chance he could stay at shortstop, there is “a belief he will end up at second base.” Perlaza has “been praised for his swing and strong wrists, leading some scouts to believe that he could hit some home runs and drive the ball into the gaps” as he matures. Fundamentally sound “in all areas of his game” but his “bat, now and in the future, that makes him an appealing prospect.” Perlaza has a smooth swing and produces hard contact.
Miguel Amaya, C
Scouting Grades: Hit: 40 | Power: 40 | Run: 20 | Arm: 60 | Field: 60
Age: 16 (March 9, 1999) – 6-foot, 160 pounds – Bats: L Throws R
Scouts have seen that Amaya can hit but he has really impressed them with his defense. Amaya “looks the part” of a catcher, calls a good game and “takes control behind the plate.” Amaya has the potential to have a “plus-arm and could be a plus defender.” The opinions vary slightly on his defense, but according to MLB.com, “it’s impossible to ignore the total package and overall potential he presents.” Amaya has a smooth swing and hits to all fields.
Yonathan Sierra Estiwal, OF
Scouting Grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 50 | Run: 40 | Arm: 45 | Field: 45
Age: 16 (Oct. 17, 1998) – 6-foot-3, 205 pounds – Bats: L Throws L
MLB.com reported that “one famous player comes to mind when scouts talk about Estiwal: Darryl Strawberry.”
Estiwal is a “tall and lanky left-handed hitter and thrower with some raw power.” Estiwal is projected as a right fielder and that is where the comp to Strawberry comes in. Estiwal has a “graceful swing, and scouts like his ability to barrel up balls.” Can hit to all fields, shown power in games and the ability to hit for power to opposite field,” described as a “good baseball player who knows the game.”
Yunior Perez, RHP
Yunior Perez is 6-foot-3, 175 pounds and features a 90-93 mph fastball with a below average curveball.