According to a report from Jesse Sanchez, the Cubs recently attended Eddy Julio Martinez’s open showcase in the Dominican Republic.
The Cubs are not seen as the favorites to sign Eddy Julio Martinez. The Giants and Dodgers are believed to be the frontrunners to sign the 20-year old Cuban outfielder. The Dodgers, Braves, Giants, White Sox, Reds and Mariners were also at his open showcase.
The Cubs have worked out Martinez at least two times and had a third private workout scheduled with him a month ago. The Cubs have been linked to Martinez for quite a while and Jesse Sanchez indicated in July the Cubs “might be the dark horse” to sign him.
Eddy Julio Martinez is expected to receive a healthy signing bonus, with several reports pointing to a minimum of $10 million. Martinez falls under the International signing restrictions and penalties.
Eddy Julio Martinez hits and throws from the right side. Martinez does not turn 21 until Jan. 18. The 6-foot-2, 195-pound outfielder is frequently compared to a young Andruw Jones.
MLB.com Scouting Grades – Hit: 60 | Power: 60 | Run: 70 | Arm: 60 | Field: 60
Martinez has a “quick and compact power stroke,” can hit the ball out of the park to all fields and he works the count. Defensively, he has shown “good instincts” according to MLB.com with an “accurate arm” that would allow him to play center field. Martinez has played left and according to Baseball America he has the ability to play all three outfield spots.
The Cubs have already committed well-over the 2015-16 International signing bonus pool and will have to pay the 100 percent tax penalty on the overage, plus the front office will not be able to sign an International free agent for more than $300,000 for the next two signing periods. With the Cubs already in the penalty it would make sense to sign as many players as possible during the current signing period.