The Dominican Summer League kicks off on Monday, June 3, as the Chicago White Sox will have a new wave of international prospects getting their first exposure to playing baseball for a professional organization.
The White Sox international scouting department has had plenty of success in the past years, with top prospects such as Bryan Ramos, Wilfred Veras, and Cristian Mena going from unknown to legitimate prospects with MLB futures. In the last two seasons, the White Sox saw Ryan Burrowes and Javier Mogollon, who both received signing bonuses under $80,000, break out and become consensus top 30 prospects in the White Sox system. Will there be an under-the-radar prospect this season to keep up this streak?
This year’s international signing period class comes with plenty of intrigue. The class includes a clear headliner, multiple players with strong baseball bloodlines, and some lesser-known prospects with plenty of upside. Today, we break down the top 5 prospects you need to be aware of heading into this 2024 DSL season!
Eduardo Herrera, 3B
The headliner of the White Sox 2024 international signing period class, Eduardo Herrera immediately entered the White Sox’s top 30 prospects upon his singing. Ranked as MLB Pipleine’s 11th-ranked international prospect, The Sox inked Herrera to a $1.8 million signing bonus. There was likely plenty of interest in the left-handed slugger, as he was the only player to receive a 60 grade or higher on his power potential, making him arguably the best power-hitting prospect in the entire class.
At 6’3 212 lbs., he has outgrown the shortstop position early and has transitioned to the hot corner. While some scouts think there’s a chance he could ultimately end up at first base, he currently has the actions and the arm strength to handle third base well. It is his bat, however, that will carry him through the system. Drawing comparisons to a young Albert Pujols, the White Sox are hopeful that Herrera will develop into an impact middle-of-the-order hitter.
Jurdrick Profar, SS
The second largest signing bonus in the White Sox international class goes to a prospect with strong family ties to Major League Baseball. Jurdirick Profar, the younger brother of current Padres outfielder Jurickson Profar, is a 6’3 shortstop with good actions and instincts to stick at the position. Along with his abilities defensively, he has been lauded for his high baseball IQ and his bat-to-ball skills.
Jesus Premoli, 1B
Another power bat, Jesus Premoli is an imposing presence at the plate with his 6’4 225 lbs frame. While he has spent time at both catcher and third base, it appears that the White Sox are going to commit to him to play first base and let his bat carry him through the system. He has easy power from the left side of the plate but his ability to make consistent contact will ultimately determine how well he can develop. Signing for $550,000, the White Sox clearly believe that the hit tool has a chance to develop and allow him to tap into his plus raw power consistently.
Christian Gonzalez, OF
A 17-year-old outfielder from Venezuela, Christian Gonzalez is a terrific athlete with plus speed, which makes him a danger on the base paths and provides excellent range in center field. While he doesn’t offer a ton in the power department, he does make consistent contact and will spray line drives across the entire field. Signing for $550,000, the White Sox are banking on him being able to make an impact despite the lack of raw power. With his contact skills and his plus speed, he has a relatively high floor as a 4th outfielder.
Orlando Suarez, RHP
One of the top Venezuelan pitchers in the class, Orlando Suarez has an intriguing skillset. A 6’4 right-hander with an effortless delivery, Suarez can already reach the mid-90s on his fastball at just 17 years old. His best pitch, however, might be his curveball, which can register elite RPMs. He also uses a splitter and a changeup, but its the fastball-curveball combo that has scouts intrigued. He has starter upside and will be given a chance by the Sox to prove that he can stick in a rotation.
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