The Chicago Cubs have not spent a single penny on free agency as of yet. However, that does not imply that the Cubs will not make foreign purchases.
On January 15, the current crop of players becomes eligible for signings, and the Cubs may choose to spend the third-highest amount on any international player.
Baseball America recently released a list of the Top 50 International Bonus Pool players. These players aren’t necessarily ranked in terms of quality. However, the website ranked them based on the players’ expected earnings. Players and interested teams were then partnered.
According to Baseball America, shortstop Fernando Cruz of the Dominican Republic, who the Cubs are linked to, will sign a contract with the third-highest bonus after transactions are finalised.
Cruz has strong MLB ancestry even at the age of 17. He has Cubs connections as well because he is Starlin Castro’s cousin. Castro played major league baseball for the Cubs for six years after signing a contract with them in 2006.
Cruz’s combination of raw power, quickness, and fielding skills may secure him a bonus of nearly $4 million. Scouts have already observed that he possesses opposite field power.
Also, the Cubs made significant overseas spending last year. Three players that MLB.com listed in the Top 20 prospects overall were acquired by Chicago. Among them was Derniche Valdez, a shortstop who reportedly signed a $2.7 million contract ranking as the sixth prospect.
In addition, the Cubs paid $1 million to sign Ludwing Espinoza, a second shortstop, and another $1 million to sign Angel Cepeda, the No. 19 prospect.
