According to a recent report, the White Sox are believed to be the favorites to sign a couple of the top international prospects when the signing period opens up in January 2024.
According to Francys Romero, the White Sox are the favorites to sign third-baseman Eduardo Herrera and shortstop Jurdrick Profar, brother of Jurrikson Profar. He also noted that Herrera’s deal is expected to be in the $1.6-$2 million range, while Profar is expected to sign for $700,000. His initial report also added that the Sox were expected to sign Fernando Cruz, however, he has since corrected this as Cruz is expected to sign with the Cubs.
Herrera specifically would be a terrific addition to this farm system, rated as the 11th-best international prospect according to MLB Pipeline; he would likely be the highest-rated player in this international signing class for the 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. His bat is what has scouts intrigued, as he received the only 60-grade power tool of all MLB Pipeline’s top 50 international prospects. Between his power and his 6’2 200+ lbs frame, Herrera has drawn some comparisons to a teenage Albert Pujols.
According to Romero, Profar (who is the brother of major leaguer Jurickson Profar) is a “multi-tool talent with above-average speed, contact, and arm, and a 20/20 potential player.”
The White Sox have a bonus pool of $5,925,000 to spend on this year’s international prospect class, so even if Herrera commands the full $2 million that was reported by Francys Romero, along with Profar’s reported $700,000, they will still have over $3 million to spend filling out the rest of their class. It is unclear which other prospects are currently on their radar.
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Or they will use the remaining $3-million o former 1st former round picks from other teams that are busts. Because Jerry wont spend on legit free agents.