CLEVELAND, OH – The Cleveland Guardians today signed 24 international amateur free agents for the opening of the 2023 signing period.
Among the club’s signings, SS Welbyn Francisca and OF Yerlin Luis headlined the group and rank among the top players in Latin America, respectively slotting in at No. 28 and No. 37 per _MLB.com_’s Top 50 International Prospect Ranking.
The club’s international signing class includes 15 players from Venezuela, eight from the Dominican Republic, and one from Panama, as announced by Senior Vice President of Scouting Paul Gillispie and Director of International Scouting Richard Conway.
“The opening of the international signing period is a special time of the year as we usher a new group of young, talented players into the organization. It’s an incredibly exciting day for the players, their families and trainers—a celebration of hard work, sacrifice and preparation, but also a new beginning to what we hope are long, healthy and successful careers,” said Gillispie, who leads the club’s amateur and international scouting efforts. “So many people across the organization, and especially our scouting staff, have worked collaboratively and diligently to identify and get to know the best young players across the globe, both on-and off-the-field. We’re so grateful for their contributions.”
From MLB.com on Francisca:
Francisca is not the biggest prospect in the class, but he has a huge upside. Scouts note his advanced hitting abilities — he has a chance to be a plus hitter — and advanced run times. The switch-hitting teen has also impressed evaluators with his plus instincts and great makeup. The twitchy athlete is at shortstop now, but might be better suited for second base because of skill set and average arm. There’s a chance he will develop some power because of his bat speed, but home runs are not expected to be a consistent part of his game. Speed is part of his game, and he could develop into a base-stealer in the future. Francisca trains out of the HYL Baseball Academy.
From MLB.com on Luis:
The athletic Luis has a chance to be a plus center fielder if he continues to develop at a normal pace. He also has a chance to be much more. The teenager from the Dominican Republic has a medium frame and well-proportioned build with room to grow. At the plate, he features loose hands to the ball with some quickness. In fact, he has advanced bat speed for his age. Specifically, there’s a slight upstroke to his swing and good bat-to-ball skills that results in hard contact. He has a mature approach and is learning how to master the strike zone. He is fundamentally sound with good mechanics in the batter’s box. The addition of strength could add to his overall upside. Luis trains with Julio Angel Pina.
Abreu, Javier RHS Ocumare del Tuy, Venezuela
Abreus, Jhorvic INF Guatire, Venezuela
Arosemena, Pablo C Panama City, Panama
Ayala, Yelserth INF Turmero, Venezuela
Bolivar, Mason OF Chirgua La Paredena, Venezuela
Cadiz, Sebastian C Charallave, Venezuela
Cruz, Estarlin LHS San Francisco de Macoris, DR
Dalmagro, Pedro C Guatire, Venezuela
Frances, Juan OF Villa de Cura, Venezuela
Francisca, Welbyn INF La Romana, Dominican Republic
Herrera, Reiner C Merida, Venezuela
Luis, Yerlin OF La Romana, Dominican Republic
Marcano, Jose INF Valencia, Venezuela
Martinez, Jonathan INF Orlando, Florida
Merejo, Luis INF Port St. Lucie, Florida
Mijares, Yaikel INF Petare, Venezuela
Osorio, Manuel LHS Guarenas, Venezuela
Peraza, Santiago RHS Barquisimeto, Venezuela
Perez, Erigaldi RHS La Romana, Dominican Republic
Perez, Joelvis RHS Bonao, Dominican Republic
Pirela, Jose OF Maracaibo, Venezuela
Ramos, Renil RHS Cagua, Venezuela
Silva, Heribert OF Santa Teresa, Venezuela
Taveras, Jonathan INF Moca, Dominican Republic
