Cardinals announce signings of 13 international free agents
The St. Louis Cardinals today announced the signings of 13 international free agents from the first day of Major League Baseball's international signing period for 2016-17.
Headlining the first day signings, announced by Cardinals Director of International Operations Moises Rodriguez, were outfielder Victor Garcia (Barcelona, Venezuela) and right-handed pitcher Johan Oviedo (La Habana, Cuba).
The 16-year-old Garcia is considered to be among the top-ranked bats in the July 2 class. "Garcia has a high offensive ceiling with run-producing potential at a corner outfield position," said Rodriguez. "He possesses a strong combination of hitting ability and future power." The 6-foot-3, 215-pound Garcia is a native of Barcelona, Venezuela and he bats right-handed.
The 18-year-old Oviedo is a physically imposing pitcher who stands 6-foot-6 and weighs 220. "Oviedo has a plus fastball and a three-pitch mix," stated Rodriguez. "He projects as a top of the rotation starter who has an excellent chance to flourish within our system."
The 13 players (nine position players & four pitchers) who have signed are representatives of four countries (Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Mexico and Cuba). The complete list of day one signings follows. Oviedo, catcher Carlos Soto, right-handed pitcher Enmanuel Solano and outfielder Diomedes Del Rio will be activated to play for the Cardinals' 2016 DSL team; all others will be signed for the 2017 minor league season.
Johan Oviedo (RHP)
18 years old
DOB: 03/02/1998
Hometown: La Habana, Cuba
6-6, 220 lbs
Victor Garcia (OF) R/R
16 years old
DOB: 09/16/1999
Hometown: Barcelona, Venezuela
6-3, 215 lbs.
Carlos Soler (OF) L/R
16 years old
DOB: 10/29/1999
Hometown: Santo Domingo, Dom. Rep
6-2, 163 lbs
Franklin Soto (SS) R/R
16 years old
DOB: 09/23/1999
Hometown: San Cristobal, Dom. Rep.
5-11, 168 lbs
Carlos Soto (C) L/R
17 years old
DOB: 04/27/1999
Hometown: Los Mochis, Mexico
6-2, 220 lbs.
Allinson Benitez (RHP)
16 years old
DOB: 11/04/1999
Hometown: Chivacoa, Venezuela
6-4, 200 lbs.
Diomedes Del Rio (CF) L/L
18 years old
DOB: 09/15/1997
Hometown: Caracas, Venezuela
5-10, 160 lbs.
Luis Montano (OF) L/R
16 years old
DOB: 04/10/2000
Hometown: Santo Domingo, Dom. Rep.
6-2; 170 lbs
Yowelfy Rosario (SS) R/R
16 years old
DOB: 06/09/2000
Hometown: Santiago, Dom. Rep.
6-3, 165 lbs
Alexander Samuel (OF) R/R
16 years old
DOB: 03/24/2000
Hometown: Santo Domingo, Dom. Rep.
6-3, 190 lbs.
Enmanuel Solano (RHP)
17 years old
DOB: 09/23/1998
Hometown: Santo Domingo, Dom. Rep.
6-1, 160 lbs
Joyser Garcia (C) R/R
16 years old
DOB: 10/14/1999
Hometown: Ciudad Bolivar, Venezuela
5-10, 165 lbs.
Rodard Avelino (RHP)
17 years old
DOB: 06/03/1999
Hometown: Villa Altagracia, Dom. Rep.
6-1, 170 lbs
