The next wave of international players are set to join the White Sox organization.
January 15 marks the first day that those from international markets can begin their journey toward the major leagues. For many of these players, their signings mark the end of a multi-year recruitment period by several major league clubs and important decision-making at the ages of just 16 or 17 years old. The signing period will remain open until December 15, though several deals are expected to be announced early on.
“While players routinely have agreements lined up to sign with clubs multiple years in advance, Jan. 15 is the first date when they can officially sign contracts. Just like draft picks or major league free agents, none of these agreements are official until a player has signed his contract, completed his physical and been approved by the commissioner’s office. Some players will sign their contracts today, while others who have agreements in place will sign their contracts later this week or after that in some cases. The signing period is open until Dec. 15, 2025.”
via Baseball America
In recent years, the White Sox have used the international signing period to sign prospects such as Oscar Colas, Erick Hernandez, Bryan Ramos, Norge Vera, Christian Mena, and many others. During the 2025 period, the White Sox have a bonus pool of $6,261,600 which they can use towards their deals.
2025 International Bonus Pools
- $7,555,500 Pool: Cincinnati Reds, Detroit Tigers, Miami Marlins, Milwaukee Brewers, Minnesota Twins, Oakland Athletics, Seattle Mariners, Tampa Bay Rays
- $6,908,600 Pool: Arizona Diamondbacks, Baltimore Orioles, Cleveland Guardians, Colorado Rockies, Kansas City Royals, Pittsburgh Pirates
- $6,261,600 Pool: Atlanta Braves, Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox, Los Angeles Angels, New York Mets, New York Yankees, Philadelphia Phillies, San Diego Padres, Texas Rangers, Toronto Blue Jays, Washington Nationals
- $5,646,200 Pool: Houston Astros, St. Louis Cardinals
- $5,146,200 Pool: Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants
According to sources, the White Sox have reached agreements with the following players thus far:
- Alejandro Cruz, 3B, Cuba: $2,000,000
- Yobal Rodriguez, RHP, Cuba: TBD
- Yordani Soto, SS, Dominican Republic: $750,000
- Orlando Patiño, OF, Venezuela: $570,000
- Cesar Familia, RHP, Dominican Republic: $350,000
- Jhonny Morao, LHP, Dominican Republic: $300,000
- Roderick Medina, RHP, Panama: $275,000
- Diego Natera, C, Venezuela: $225,000
- Jeremy Aponte, OF, Venezuela: $200,000
- Igor Escobar, INF, Venezuela: $70,000
The team will likely issue a press release in the coming days with additional details. Until then, here’s what we know about the players who are set to join the organization.
We will continue to update this article as more about this class becomes available.
Alejandro Cruz, 3B, Cuba
Agreement Amount: $2,000,000
MLB Pipeline Scouting Grades: Hit: 45 | Power: 50 | Run: 55 | Arm: 45 | Field: 50 | Overall: 45
As first reported by Francys Romero in March 2024, the White Sox have agreed to terms with infield prospect Alejandro Cruz for approximately $2 million. Despite being eligible to sign in the 2024 signing period, Romero reports that Cruz waited due to limitations with the team’s previous international budget.
Cruz, 17, currently ranks 33rd on MLB Pipeline’s Top 50 list for international prospects. Though he profiles as a third baseman, Romero said in a prior post that he has the skills to play multiple positions. Romero also mentioned that Cruz is a solid athlete with good contact ability and an above-average arm, making him a very intriguing addition to the organization.
Looking at his past, Cruz was a member of Cuba’s U-18 National team at just 16 years of age in 2023. He batted .337 (30-for-89), with six doubles, two triples, 12 RBIs and 10 stolen bases with the club.
Cuban INF Alejandro Cruz (16) will have his main showcase on January 16 with several MLB teams interested.
Location: Play del Naranjo, Bocachica, Dominican Republic (9 AM).
I ranked Cruz as the #3 prospect in my list of the top 25 Cuban prospects U-15 in 2023.
He was member… pic.twitter.com/7JxpFhwZmw
— Francys Romero (@francysromeroFR) January 3, 2024
Yobal Rodriguez, RHP, Cuba
Agreement Amount: TBD
Francys Romero first reported that right-handed pitcher Yobal Rodriguez was expected to sign with the White Sox once the new international signing period opens on January 15.
Rodriguez, 16, originally hails from Ciego de Avila, Cuba before leaving the country in 2022. He has most recently played for the MVP Baseball Academy in Central Florida with eyes on a professional deal. As Romero pointed out in his post, Rodriguez possesses a fastball that currently sits between 91-94 mph, but is expected to top out around 98 mph with further development.
Orlando Patiño, OF, Venezuela
Agreement Amount: $570,000
According to Ben Badler, the White Sox flipped Venezuelan outfielder Orlando Patiño from the Dodgers amid uncertainty about how Roki Sasaki’s decision will impact their international bonus pool.
Baseball America describes Patiño as “strong for his age” as the 6’2 200 lb outfielder already has been physically maxed out. He is seen as a likely corner outfielder, with his power potential and plus arm giving him a shot to stick in right field. While he initially agreed to sign with the Dodgers for $400,000, the Sox were able to entice him to flip for $170,000 more.
Yordani Soto, SS, Dominican Republic
Agreement Amount: $750,000
Cesar Familia, RHP, Dominican Republic:
Agreement Amount: $350,000
Jhonny Morao, LHP, Dominican Republic
Agreement Amount: $300,000
Roderick Medina, RHP, Panama
Agreement Amount: $275,000
Diego Natera, C, Venezuela
Agreement Amount: $225,000
Jeremy Aponte, OF, Venezuela
Agreement Amount: $200,000
Igor Escobar, INF, Venezuela
Agreement Amount: $70,000
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