New Frontrunner Emerges To Sign July 2 Shortstop Freudis Nova

One of the top international prospects has a new likely destination when the 2016-17 signing period opens on July 2.

Freudis Nova, a 16-year-old shortstop considered by several scouts to be one of the top players in the 2016 class, was originally expected to sign with the Marlins, with an expected price tag of a little more than $2.5 million.

That has changed. Now, it appears the Astros are the most likely destination, with his bonus expected to fall around $1.5 million. Nova is one of the premier international prospects for July 2, but his situation became muddled after he tested positive for steroids in February, as we reported earlier this week. While Nova has since taken multiple drug tests (including one in April) that did not come back positive for any banned substances, that prompted the Marlins to back away.

Nova would be a major addition to the international haul for the Astros, who are planning to blow past their bonus pool on July 2. At 6-foot-1, 175 pounds, Nova is a righthanded hitter bursting with quick-twitch athleticism and some of the best tools in the class. Nova’s quick hands generate excellent bat speed and he shows occasional over-the-fence power in batting practice. He has shown the ability to translate it into the games too, with a solid approach and pitch recognition for his age. Nova is a plus runner with a plus arm and good hands at shortstop, where he will need to learn to slow the game down and smooth out some things with his footwork, but has a good chance to stick at the position.

“He was tooled out,” said one scout. “He ran, he had some power, he threw well, he had a good body—everything you look for. He has a chance to have all five tools.”

Most teams at this point in the year have already (unofficially, of course) committed their bonus pool money to other players. With 10 teams also limited to signings of no more than $300,000 as a penalty for exceeding their pools in previous signing periods, it makes sense that Nova would end up with a team planning to go over its pool this year.

Nova might end up being the top international prospect the Astros sign this year, including Cuban shortstop Anibal Sierra, who has an agreement to sign with Houston for $3.5 million when the 2016-17 signing period opens. Venezuelan shortstop Yorbin Ceuta is also like to sign with the Astros for seven-figures, with Dominican catcher Nerio Rodriguez, Dominican shortstop Deury Carrasco and Venezuelan righthanders Angel Macuare and Jairo Solis also linked to Houston.