It’s International Signing Day in Major League Baseball, and the White Sox have made a significant addition.
Previously reported as the favorites to sign 17-year-old Venezuelan third-baseman Eduardo Herrera, the White Sox now have an agreement on a deal. The financial info is not yet known, though was previously reported to be worth somewhere in the ballpark of $1.8 million.
Herrera is a terrific addition to this farm system. Ranked as the 11th overall international prospect according to MLB Pipeline, he will likely remain the highest-rated player in this international signing class for the White Sox. A former shortstop who shifted over to third base as he grew, he has the arm and athleticism to stay at the hot corner as of now. It is possible, however, that he eventually outgrows the position and shifts over to first base.
What has scouts really intrigued, however, is his bat and overall power potential. He received the only 60-grade power tool of all MLB Pipeline’s Top 50 international prospects. Between his strong bat and large 6-foot-2, 200-pound frame, Herrera has notably drawn comparisons to a teenage Albert Pujols.
Here’s what MLB Pipeline has to say:
“As far as pure power hitters are concerned, Herrera’s potential ranks among the best in this year’s class. With a hulking 6-foot-2, 200-pound frame, the teen ultimately projects to be a big bat in the middle of a lineup. It’s worth noting that scouts rave about his ability to make adjustments from pitch to pitch at the plate and handle both fastball and offspeed offerings. The shortstop-turned-third baseman has drawn comparisons to a teenage Albert Pujols — in terms of body type and raw power — and scouts have applauded his competitiveness.
Hererra played for the Venezuelan 18-and-under National Team when he was just 15 years old. For his size, Herrera is a decent runner and has the work ethic to get even better with time. Defensively, Herrera made the switch over to third base after outgrowing shortstop. At the hot corner, he is an average defender and could eventually move to first if he outgrows third.”
Herrera is now the White Sox’s highest-ranked international prospect since Oscar Colas, who was ranked fifth in MLB Pipeline’s 2022 international class. However, Herrera is the highest-ranked “true” amateur signing in some time, as they have typically targeted older prospects who are seen as closer to MLB-ready. In fact, the Sox have only signed four prospects since 2013 who were 18 years old or younger and ranked on MLB Pipeline’s top international prospects list:
- Erick Hernandez in 2022 (28th)
- Fernando Tatis in 2015 (30th)
- Amado Nunez in 2014 (26th)
- Micker Adolfo in 2013 (2nd)
This approach in the international market is one that many have clamored for the Sox to take, as while these amateur prospects carry a lot of risk, they also offer immense upside. In a farm system that has been ranked toward the bottom of the league for the last several years, these high-risk/high-reward signings can significantly bolster the strength of any minor league system.
As more international signings occur, we will be providing further updates! Follow us on social media @SoxOn35th for more.
Featured Photo: MLB Pipeline/Twitter
He maybe top rated…. but with Sox farm system, he’ll be a guaranteed bust.