Top 20 International Prospects

by Ryne Alber on Jun 30, 2025 2:06 PM EDT

Well, July 2nd is only 2 days away, and there has been nary a peep on one of my most favorite events of the MiLB season. Matt posted his rankings over a month ago and MLB.com's Jonathan Mayo has had his list posted for some time, but as we all know, scouting reports on international guys are extremely volatile, so it's nice to have a new, fresh updated list just in time for July 2nd. Ben Badler from Baseball America released his list yesterday, and I am very curious as to what some of the scouting reports are for the these players. I'm not a BA subscriber so any insight you can give would be really appreciated.

1. Franklin Barreto, ss/cf, Venezuela
2. Luis Torrens, c, Venezuela
3. Jose Mujica, rhp, Venezuela
4. Alexander Palma, of, Venezuela
5. Gustavo Cabrera, of, Dominican Republic
6. Jose Castillo, lhp, Venezuela
7. Luiz Gohara, lhp, Brazil
8. Carlos Belen, 3b, Dominican Republic
9. Luis Castro, ss, Venezuela
10. Wendell Rijo, ss, Dominican Republic
11. Amed Rosario, ss, Dominican Republic
12. Amaurys Minier, ss, Dominican Republic
13. Richard Urena, ss, Dominican Republic
14. David Rodriguez, c, Venezuela
15. Deivi Grullon, c, Dominican Republic
16. Julio de la Cruz, 3b, Dominican Republic
17. Jose Almonte, rhp, Dominican Republic
18. Sergio Alcantara, ss, Dominican Republic
19. Frandy de la Rosa, ss, Dominican Republic
20. Jose Pujols, of, Dominican Republic

Here are the links to the other two lists:

Matt Garrioch's: https://www.minorleagueball.com/2012/5/18/3027427/2012-mlb-international-preview

Jonathan Mayo's: http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/prospects/watch/y2012/

Poll

Is Gustavo Cabrera the top international prospect for 2012?

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Comments

Cabrera

from what I gather, he’s just like every other Latin bonus baby in that he has incredible upside but is incredibly raw. Plus-plus speed and above average raw power, but serious questions about his hit tool (skill). Similar profile as Leonys Martin if he can cut down his swing and learn to make solid contact, but he may outgrow CF.

by another know it all on Jun 30, 2025 2:28 PM EDT reply actions

That doesn't really sound like Leonys Martin to me.

Sounds more like Buxton actually.

We are all Morban-itnesses.

by Ryne Alber on Jun 30, 2025 3:26 PM EDT up reply actions

I don't think Buxton has serious questions about his hit tool

by dnc on Jun 30, 2025 3:28 PM EDT up reply actions

He might've when he was 16. Remember, these guys are two years younger.

We are all Morban-itnesses.

by Ryne Alber on Jun 30, 2025 3:39 PM EDT up reply actions

Most questions about Buxton

leading up the draft were about the hit tool actually. I think he’s going to be fine, but that was what was heard most from scouts apparently. The reason Cabrera gets questioned is that he hasn’t hit in games enough for scouts (though he has hit in some games, like the RBI). What he has done is show a low-90s arm from the OF and flash his plus-plus speed in CF, on the base paths where he steals with impunity and in drills where he’s run the 60 in the 6.3-6.4 range IIRC. He has excellent raw power, and it’s not like his swing is a mess. I think a lot of U.S. scouts are inherently suspicious of the way Dominicans load their hands deep, and automatically assume they’re going to be projects.

by charles wallace on Jun 30, 2025 5:57 PM EDT up reply actions

similar profile

Leonys Martin is 7 years older, so of course he’s going to be more polished. Martin and Cabrera have very similar tools, but Martin’s polish at the plate allows him to use them.

Both have above-average power
Both have plus to plus-plus speed
Both have plus throwing arms
Both have the potential to play plus defense in CF
Both have had issues with their swings, but Martin has obviously polished
Both are, according to BA, 6-2 190. Martin throws LH and Cabrera will probably outgrow CF.

Main difference in what type of hitter Cabrera can become. Does he continue to grow and move to RF and develop a power bat? Or does he stay in CF and use his well-above-average speed and revamp his swing to get on base more?

Very similar aside from the extreme age difference.

by another know it all on Jun 30, 2025 3:44 PM EDT up reply actions

Or does he stay in CF and use his well-above-average speed and revamp his swing to get on base more?

i.e. Leonys Martin.

by another know it all on Jun 30, 2025 3:45 PM EDT up reply actions

I disagree, respectfully

Neither has above-average power. Martin has a solid line-drive swing and great contact abilities and is a nice table-setter at the top of the lineup with his doubles power. Cabrera has as much power potential as any of the other international prospects. It is largely untapped due to his raw hit tool, but Cabrera has Justin Upton-like potential with the bat.

Agreed on the speed and the throwing arms.

I think Cabrera outgrows CF but could play their for the first few years of his career. Martin should be in center throughout his career.

Not sure where you’ve read about issues with Martin’s swing. His issue has never been contact, but rather the ability to make solid contact and driving the ball to all fields. Cabrera’s obvious #1 issue is his ability to make contact.

They’re not the most dissimilar prospects in the world but I think Martin is a very very loose comp IMO. Again, with all due respect. Just my personal and humble opinion. I have the luxury of being a Rangers fan and getting to watch Martin a lot, which you may not have. He’s a nice player, but has no where near the upside Cabrera has.

We are all Morban-itnesses.

by Ryne Alber on Jun 30, 2025 4:53 PM EDT up reply actions

To be clear

When I say that “neither has above-average power,” I mean that Martin’s is probably slightly below average to average, while Cabrera’s is well-above average, albeit it being very raw.

We are all Morban-itnesses.

by Ryne Alber on Jun 30, 2025 4:54 PM EDT up reply actions

straight from BA

Cabrera: Terrific bat speed and above-average power, needs to learn to stay back and cut down the length of his swing.

Martin: Lightning quick bat speed and above-average power, but only shows gap power in games. His swing can get long at times, so the Rangers worked on shortening his path.

Looks like a before-and-after. Martin won’t hit many home runs, but that’s because he and the Rangers have geared his swing to be more level and line-drive oriented. Raw power and usable power are two different things. Cabrera and Martin both have above-average raw power. At this point, we don’t know what Cabrera’s usable power is (probably won’t for a few years), and we now know that Martin’s usable in-game power is below-average like you mentioned.

If we project 7 years of development for Cabrera, Leonys Martin is a very reasonable outcome. But he’s 16, and he could grow another 3 inches and pack on 30 lbs. of muscle. We have no idea. We also have no clue what organization he will be in and what kind of approach they will take with his hitting mechanics. Scouts had worries with Martin when he signed that he was too bulky, and the Rangers liked him loose and lanky.

You asked for insight from BA subscription, I gave it to you, then you argue with me about the content, regardless of the respect level.

I’m a White Sox fan, but that doesn’t mean I don’t know anything about other team’s prospects (I don’t have much choice actually lol).

by another know it all on Jun 30, 2025 5:32 PM EDT up reply actions

I could be wrong here, but Baseball America was noting present power, which is far different than raw power.

by mr. maniac on Jun 30, 2025 6:43 PM EDT up reply actions

The difference, which mr. maniac noted below, is that this is a reference to the present.

Martin was 23 when this was written about him, Cabrera is 16. Both have above-average power NOW (although I still think that’s generous for Martin, who has a very line-drive swing), but Cabrera has SEVEN YEARS of development in him. You’re overlooking a huge piece of prospecting called p-r-o-j-e-c-t-i-o-n.

We are all Morban-itnesses.

by Ryne Alber on Jun 30, 2025 7:08 PM EDT up reply actions

I'm with Ryne

I don’t see much similarity.

by charles wallace on Jun 30, 2025 5:59 PM EDT up reply actions

how?

I think my argument was fairly accurate.

by another know it all on Jun 30, 2025 6:07 PM EDT up reply actions

Your argument

is based purely on vague remarks about players who were at completely different ages and levels of competition when they were made. I mean, “If we project 7 years of development for Cabrera…” Seven years of projection? That’s all? If you can do that I look forward to your future reports as international scouting director for the major league team of your choice. lol

by charles wallace on Jun 30, 2025 7:03 PM EDT up reply actions

And it's mostly about upside

I agree with Ryne that Martin’s is quite a bit lower than Cabrera’s, as Cabrera adds significantly more power potential to solid defensive value as an avg CF or above avg RF. And I think the BA reports are getting people too worried about his swing and contact ability.

by charles wallace on Jun 30, 2025 7:08 PM EDT up reply actions

Put it this way

Cabrera’s upside is Justin Upton

Martin’s upside is… a slightly improved version of what he is now. Martin reminds me of Shane Victorino some actually.

Like I said, it’s not the worst comp ever, especially when comparing speed and arm strength, but there are much better options. And personally I think any comp to a 16 year-old is useless.

We are all Morban-itnesses.

by Ryne Alber on Jun 30, 2025 7:13 PM EDT up reply actions

Interestingly,

Franklin Barreto got a Victorino comp in Badler’s Top 20 notes. lol

And yeah, Cabrera and Martin are more alike than Cabrera and many other players, but for me a comp should be something where the players are clearly alike in very specific ways. Remarks like “above avg power” are just way too vague to link two players.

by charles wallace on Jun 30, 2025 7:23 PM EDT up reply actions

Ohhhhhhhh

So you have Badler’s notes huh? Wanna email them to me pleaseeeeeee? :)

We are all Morban-itnesses.

by Ryne Alber on Jun 30, 2025 7:26 PM EDT up reply actions

Ben Balder is

probably dispatching armed goons to our houses as I type this. lol

I’ll see what I can do…

by charles wallace on Jun 30, 2025 7:32 PM EDT up reply actions

Haha

Good think I have a safety bunker for just these situations. My email’s on my profile page so if you ever muster up the courage, I look forward to is and send my condolences ahead of time.

We are all Morban-itnesses.

by Ryne Alber on Jun 30, 2025 7:34 PM EDT up reply actions

Courage mustered...

by charles wallace on Jun 30, 2025 7:42 PM EDT up reply actions

Martin

first guy that came to mind when I read Cabrera’s profile was Martin and I got stuck on it. Victorino plays bigger than his size would suggest, and I wonder just how much Cabrera will continue to grow.

by another know it all on Jun 30, 2025 7:39 PM EDT up reply actions

Victorino

definitely not a comp for Cabrera. OTOH, I don’t think Cabrera is destined to bulk up too much; he’s not turning into Dayan Viciedo or something. Physically he reminds me a lot of Elier Hernandez from last year’s class.

BTW, should mention that several of the DPL players feature video by SoCalSoxFan of Bullpen Banter fame. BB also has some great write-ups of the July 2 class courtesy of a scouting contact.

by charles wallace on Jun 30, 2025 7:48 PM EDT up reply actions

FWIW, the Victorino comp was for Martin, not Cabrera

We are all Morban-itnesses.

by Ryne Alber on Jun 30, 2025 9:02 PM EDT up reply actions

That's

how I read it.

by charles wallace on Jul 1, 2025 11:57 AM EDT up reply actions

good points all around

I never said Martin was Cabrera’s upside, just reasonable outcome and that they had similar profiles. Looking back on it, those profiles also have 7 years of age difference, which proves it wasn’t the best comparison like Ryne said.

I don’t like player comps for 16 year olds and I thought the fact Mayo brought Upton was a bit much.

by another know it all on Jun 30, 2025 7:37 PM EDT up reply actions

I think there's a difference between ceiling/potential and a comp.

I don’t have a problem throwing names out there just to get an idea on a player, ESPECIALLY when all we have to go off that player is a few scouting reports and videos.

We are all Morban-itnesses.

by Ryne Alber on Jun 30, 2025 7:39 PM EDT up reply actions

Agree that comapring anyone to Upton

is pretty much pointless. At the same age Upton had far fewer questions than Cabrera imo.

by charles wallace on Jun 30, 2025 7:41 PM EDT up reply actions

Interesting that nobody besides Badler so much as mentions Gohara

I am pretty excited by the prospect of the M’s picking him up.

by dnc on Jun 30, 2025 3:28 PM EDT reply actions

Rosario is signing with the Mets

1.7 Million it appears

Down 2 in the bottom of the ninth?
Lets Bring in Willie Harris!

by ShaqKazaam on Jun 30, 2025 3:50 PM EDT reply actions

Nice to see

Wendell Rijo and Richard Urena, two of my favorites, so highly ranked. And I’m excited that Badler consistently links Urena to the Reds. He’d be a very good get imo.

by charles wallace on Jun 30, 2025 6:02 PM EDT reply actions

I'd like to go on record now and say that I think Rijo will be the best player of the bunch.

I think his reports on below average tools are overblown and actually is quite toolsy to go along with the high polish and makeup grades that he’s known for.

We are all Morban-itnesses.

by Ryne Alber on Jun 30, 2025 7:10 PM EDT up reply actions

I think

a lot of it has to do with the preference for guys who are either well over 6’ or are clearly projectable. Rijo is a coach’s son and it shows, as he plays the game well in all phases. He reminds me of Jesmuel Valentin-Diaz with more pop. I came across Rijo’s DPL video this winter while doing research and was blown away; scouting reports back it up, saying his BP sounds like a firing range.

Urena is a sleeper for me. He’s a true SS who just needs to clean up his actions a bit, and he’s one of the best IFA kids in terms of pitch recognition and ability to barrel the ball. Hits in games and already lines the ball to the gaps. Unlike Rijo he does feature some projection as a 6’1" 16-year-old with the frame to add lean muscle. I won’t be surprised if he surfaces as a RHH Starlin Castro in two or three years, but with better defensive chops.

by charles wallace on Jun 30, 2025 7:19 PM EDT up reply actions

I really like Urena's advanced approach

Which is why I don’t like the Castro comp for him. I can see why you make it (a tall, lanky SS who looks like he’s begging to add some muscle), but Urena looks like he really has the eye and the patience to take a walk, something Castro has yet to be willing to do.

We are all Morban-itnesses.

by Ryne Alber on Jun 30, 2025 7:24 PM EDT up reply actions

It's easy to forget,

but Castro actually posted fairly good walk rates in the minors. It remains to be seen whether he’ll start moving back in that direction as he matures. Dude is 22 and the contact ability is so special that his approach hasn’t backfired yet. Urena’s approach leads me to believe that he’ll make consistent contact as he develops, which is what counts.

by charles wallace on Jun 30, 2025 7:31 PM EDT up reply actions

Well,

should say like JV-D without the switch-hitting ability.

by charles wallace on Jun 30, 2025 7:24 PM EDT up reply actions

And are you saying

that Rijo will be the best IFA hitter in the group? I guess that fits with your aversion to toolsier but riskier guys.

by charles wallace on Jun 30, 2025 7:26 PM EDT up reply actions

I am.

And I tend to de-value defense a lot because I really only care about the Rangers in real life. Everything else prospects-wise that interests me relates to my sickening obsession with fantasy baseball.

As long as a player has good enough defense to stick at a premium position (SS, C, CF), all I care about is offensive potential.

We are all Morban-itnesses.

by Ryne Alber on Jun 30, 2025 7:32 PM EDT up reply actions

Sorry if that upsets the baseball purists of the group haha.

I love baseball just as much as any of ya’ll, simply through a different lens.

We are all Morban-itnesses.

by Ryne Alber on Jun 30, 2025 7:33 PM EDT up reply actions

That's a big reason I like Urena

I was wowed by his defensive actions and think he’ll stick at SS, and be at least a solid contact guy with gap power. Definitely like the floor more than other guys as he’s a better hitter than the other true SS and many listed SS may have more ceiling with the bat but won’t stick.

by charles wallace on Jun 30, 2025 7:52 PM EDT up reply actions

Rijo reminds me a lot of Kolten Wong

Except with a decent chance to stick at short.

We are all Morban-itnesses.

by Ryne Alber on Jun 30, 2025 8:24 PM EDT up reply actions

Badler projects that Urena signs with the Jays.

by metafour on Jul 2, 2025 12:02 AM EDT up reply actions

Well, that came true

Good for TOR. Rijo still notably unsigned. Good be a good deal waiting for one of the teams that stayed out of the initial signing.

by charles wallace on Jul 5, 2025 11:53 PM EDT up reply actions

I like your ranking of Palma

I’m a big fan of his.

by kyuss94 on Jun 30, 2025 8:27 PM EDT reply actions

We

have a few pieces (gust pieces) on some of the international guys, breaking the guys down by position. Same videos for the Dominicans as in Badler’s piece (b/c they’re mine :) )

over at bullpen banter.

Follow me on Twitter

by SoCalSoxFan on Jul 1, 2025 3:36 AM EDT reply actions

Pointed this out

in one of the daily threads too. Anyone interested in these guys needs to read the guest write-ups. Very informed first person looks.

by charles wallace on Jul 1, 2025 11:59 AM EDT up reply actions

Enrique Rojas wrote a piece yesterday on the July class here are the rumors

Gustavo Cabrera, OF: Apparently has already accepted an offer. The team most linked to him recently are the Cardinals.

German Amed Rosario, SS : He will sign with the Mets for something close to $1.7 Million.

Carlos Belen, 3B: Will sign for a million dollars, most likely with the Padres.

Franklin Barreto, INF: Has been compared with Rafael Furcal by some scouts and project him to play 2B at the next level. The Jays are the most likely landing spot.

Luis Torrens, C: Will sign with the Yankees.

Jose Castillo, LHP: The Rays are going to pay big for him.

There are more guys in his list but I just posted the ones that had strong rumors. Here is the link, its in Spanish.

by DominicanDandy on Jul 1, 2025 12:41 PM EDT reply actions