2020 International Preview: More Top Players To Watch
Image credit: Victor Acosta (Photo by Tom DiPace)
The 2020-21 international signing period opens in 10 months when July 2 arrives next year. We already looked at one group of top 2020 international players. Here’s another preview of some of the big names to watch in the 2020 class, including videos and the teams expected to sign each player, with this group of players all projected to sign in the $1.5 to $2 million range.
Jackson Brayan Chourio, SS/CF, Venezuela
Chourio, 15, is a lean, athletic player (6-foot-1, 155 pounds) who has split time between shortstop and center field. While he’s not as physically developed as some of the other top players in the class, he’s a plus runner who projects to stay in the middle of the diamond and hits the ball with surprising carry, generating loft and backspin to make him a potential power/speed threat from the right side of the plate. Chourio, whose younger brother Jaison is also a notable outfield prospect for the 2021 class, is expected to sign with the Brewers. He’s represented by Cesar Suarez.
Starling Aguilar, IF, Dominican Republic
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Aguilar, 15, comes from the same program that had Red Sox third baseman Rafael Devers and Rays shortstop Wander Franco. Aguilar is another Dominican infielder with a sweet swing from the left side, with good path through the hitting zone along with excellent bat speed and power potential. He’s an offensive-minded prospect who trains with Rudy Santin and is expected to sign with the Mariners.
Victor Acosta, SS, Dominican Republic
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Acosta, who trains with Hector Evertz, has quick defensive actions, reading the ball well off the bat with good range and a strong arm to finish plays at shortstop. He’s a 15-year-old switch-hitter with a line-drive, gap approach. The Padres are expected to sign Acosta.
Hans Montero, SS, Dominican Republic
Jaime Ramos’ program has several prominent players in the 2020 class, including Montero, a 15-year-old shortstop with a relatively balanced skill set across the board. He’s an above-average runner who projects to stick at shortstop, where he has soft hands and a strong arm. He has a sound swing from the right side, hitting hard line drives with gap power that should tick up with strength gains. He’s expected to sign with the Yankees.
Malvin Valdez, OF, Dominican Republic
Valdez is one of the most tooled-up players in the class. He’s an excellent athlete with well above-average speed and a plus arm that could still tick up, giving him the attributes to defend his position well in center field. Valdez, 15, is a premium athlete with fast bat speed, though he’s still learning to recognize pitches in games. The Reds are expected to sign Valdez, who trains with Rudy Santin.
Yamal Flores, OF, Dominican Republic
Flores is a strong, physical player for his age. A 15-year-old former third baseman, Flores is now a corner outfielder who has some swing-and-miss in his game but has generates loft and backspin with big raw power and a strong arm for right field. The Phillies are expected to sign Flores, who trains with Jaime Ramos.
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