Pittsburgh Pirates Favorites to Sign Top International Free Agent

The Pittsburgh Pirates appear to be the favorites to yet again sign another top international prospect this upcoming winter. Shortstop Yordany De Los Santos, the #12 prospect in this year’s international prospect free agent pool is on his way to become a Pittsburgh Pirate January 15th 2022.

Shortstop Prospect- Yordany De Los Santos

The Pittsburgh Pirates are on the verge to sign another top international prospect in Yordany De Los Santos. Last year, the Pirates spent $2.35 million on the #11 international prospect which was of course outfielder, Shalin Polanco.

De Los Santos is only 16 years of age and stands at 6’1” and weighs 170 lbs. His primary position is at shortstop, but can play all around the diamond. MLB Pipeline claims him to be “the most appealing international prospect on the market”.

We do not have a current number on the signing bonus De Los Santos is set to sign for, but we can assume it will be very close to what Shalin Polanco received last January. MLB Pipeline’s scouting grades on him are very encouraging. He has 55 hit tool, 55 power, 45 run, 50 arm, and a 55 field which gives him a future value of 55. In comparison to Polanco, De Los Santos has a higher grade in power and with an overall bigger frame, he should develop into more of a power hitter than Polanco.

MLB Pipeline and evaluators believe he could one day be a middle of the lineup player because of his potential bat skills and power he shows at the plate. He doesn’t have a lot of speed, so he could very well end up being a corner infielder one day. This is the second year in a row the Pittsburgh Pirates are set to sign a top 12 international prospect

I believe the Pittsburgh Pirates are working hard to get more young talent into the system and should encourage a lot of Pirates fans for the future of this organization.