HOUSTON, TX – The Houston Astros have successfully signed 20 international free agents, encompassing a mix of 12 position players and eight pitchers. This impressive group includes eight players from Venezuela, six from the Dominican Republic, four from Mexico, and one each from Colombia and Cuba. The announcement was made by Astros Assistant General Manager Charles Cook, with contract terms remaining undisclosed.

Astros International Scouting Director Brian Rodgers expressed enthusiasm, saying, “We are excited to open the 2025 signing period by welcoming this talented group of players to the organization. For these prospects, signing day is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream but also the start of a new professional journey. Today’s signings are a product of countless hours of work by our International Scouting personnel, who tirelessly evaluate the top players globally to acquire impact talent. We are grateful for the support of ownership and contributions from various departments across Baseball Operations who make these signings possible.”
The current MLB International signing period, which began today, runs from January 15 through December 15, 2025.
Among today’s notable signings is Cuban outfielder Kevin Alvarez, ranked by MLB.com as the number seven overall prospect in this year’s international signing class. Rodgers noted, “Alvarez’s polished skillset and maturity stood out to us during the scouting process, further separating him from his peers. We are thrilled to welcome Alvarez to the Astros and look forward to supporting his development.”
Astros Senior Scouting Advisor Charlie Gonzalez added, “Alvarez is a loose and flexible left-handed-hitting outfielder with above-average tools across the board. His standout hit-ability and power at the plate, combined with his above-average arm and natural instincts, make him a strong defender. His feel for the game, confidence, and outstanding baseball makeup make him an exciting addition to our organization.”
The Astros also signed Venezuelan outfielder Anthony Millán and Dominican right-handed pitcher Omar Damián. Palacios highlighted Millán’s abilities, saying, “Millán is a lean, athletic outfielder who consistently hits hard line drives to all fields. His plus speed makes him a constant threat on the basepaths, and he’s a natural centerfielder with great instincts and a strong arm, making him an above-average defender.”
Regarding Damián, Sanchez commented, “Damián is a tall, lanky, and highly projectable right-hander with advanced feel for his three-pitch mix. His precise command and outstanding changeup generate significant swing-and-miss. Damián has all the tools to develop as a starting pitcher, and we are excited to make him an Astro.”
This array of signings reflects the Astros’ commitment to acquiring top international talent and supporting their development within the organization.
Below is the full list of international free agents who were signed by the Astros today:
Name Hometown POS AGE HT WT B/TAdrián Ruíz Sinaloa, MX RHP 17 5’11 196 R/RAnderson Areinamo Puerto La Cruz, VZ IF 17 5’9 144 R/RAnthony Millán Puerto La Cruz, VZ OF 16 5’11 167 R/RDayerson Cova Puerto La Cruz, VZ RHP 16 6’1 177 R/REmilio González Puerto La Cruz, VZ C 16 6’0 186 R/REmilio Payro Tabasco, MX RHP 17 5’10 190 R/REric Mota Santo Domingo, DR IF 17 6’0 163 R/REsteban Castro Cartagena, COL C 16 5’10 185 R/RFreddy Ramos Barquisimeto, VZ OF 16 6’0 181 R/RIré García Barcelona, VZ C 17 6’0 177 R/RIsmael Obregón Matehuala, MX RHP 17 5’11 182 R/RJesús Sosa Valencia, VZ RHP 17 6’0 143 R/RJosé De La Cruz Santo Domingo, DR IF 17 5’11 178 R/RJuan Fraide Guaymas, MX RHP 18 5’11 167 R/RJuan Rojas Santo Domingo, DR IF 17 6’0 184 L/RKevin Alvarez Matanzas, CUB OF 17 6’3 181 L/LOmar Damián Santo Domingo, DR RHP 16 6’1 155 R/RPablo Martínez Santiago, DR IF 17 5’10 165 R/RRonald De Los Santos Santo Domingo, DR RHP 17 6’2 174 R/RSantiago Martínez Maracay, VZ IF 17 5’11 170 R/R |