More International Prospects To Know For July 2

With the 2017-18 international signing period opening on July 2, here is a look at some more of the high-profile 16-year-old prospects in this year’s class.

Jelfrey Marte, ss, Dominican Republic: After Wander Franco, Marte could end up being the next highest-paid player this year out of the Dominican Republic. He’s a true shortstop and a quick-twitch athlete with plus speed and a strong arm. At 5-foot-10, 160 pounds, Marte isn’t that big and stands out more for his athleticism than his offensive upside as a switch-hitter. Marte, who trains with Alberto Fana, is expected to sign with the Twins. Luis Garcia, ss, Dominican Republic: No, this isn’t the Dominican shortstop Luis Garcia the Nationals signed last year, this is a different Dominican shortstop named Luis Garcia. Some scouts consider Garcia the best defensive shortstop in the class with good hands, footwork and a strong arm. He’s 5-foot-10, 170 pounds with a compact swing from both sides of the plate and gap power. The Phillies are expected to sign Garcia, who trains with Carlos Guzman. 

Carlos Rodriguez, of, Venezuela: Rodriguez is slightly built at 5-foot-11, 150 pounds but he’s one of the more skilled players in the class. He’s a lefty in a similar mold to Rangers outfielder Miguel Aparicio, with a smooth stroke and great bat control, lacing line drives all over the field. He’s not a burner but he’s a high baseball IQ player whose instincts should help him stick in center field. The Brewers are linked to Rodriguez, who is represented by Felix Olivo.

Larry Ernesto, of, Dominican Republic: Ernesto jumps out immediately for his highly projectable frame (6-foot-2, 170 pounds), athleticism and plus-plus speed underway. The physical and athletic indicators are promising for the switch-hitting Ernesto, though his hitting ability and overall game awareness are still raw. Ernesto is likely to sign with the Brewers, who trains with Cristian Batista (known as “Niche.”)

Adrian Hernandez, of, Dominican Republic: Hernandez is another tooled-up, athletic outfielder, though with a stronger, more compact frame (6 feet, 180 pounds) than Ernesto. He’s run the 60-yard dash in 6.4 seconds and shown explosive bat speed from the right side, with flashes of big power in batting practice but inconsistent game hitting. The Mets are the favorites to sign Hernandez, who trains with Pedro Nivar (known as “Nube”).

Aaron Bracho, ss, Venezuela: Bracho is a switch-hitter who has shown high-level offensive performance in games. He has an easy, pure swing with good bat speed and a mature approach with gap power. Bracho runs well but his arm probably fits better on the other side of the infield, with many scouts projecting him as an offensive second baseman. Bracho, who trains with Carolina Andrade, is expected to sign with Cleveland.