Now open for business, who have the South Siders added?
Jumpstarting 2025, the Chicago White Sox are poised to welcome a new group of international talent. January 15 officially kicks off the signing period for international prospects, marking the culmination of years-long scouting efforts and a pivotal moment for these young athletes.
— Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) January 15, 2025
These prospects are usually only 16 or 17 years old, but this year is different, with 23-year-old Major League-ready Rōki Sasaki leading the international pack. While the signing window remains open until December 15, a flurry of deals will unfold over the coming days.
The details of the international signing mechanics are complex, but in general, each Major League Baseball organization has an international bonus pool to sign amateur players from outside the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. The league determines each team’s pool amount by considering various factors, including the team’s market size, revenue, and the signing of Major League free agents who declined qualifying offers.
Teams can also trade international bonus pool money in increments of $250,000, impacting their overall spending capacity. However, the league enforces a strict spending limit. Teams cannot exceed their allotted bonus pool, and there’s no provision for exceeding the limit with a penalty or tax.
The Sox have $6,261,600 in available international money this year. Here’s a breakdown of some of the top talent they’ve signed and for how much.
Orlando Patiño, OF, Venezuela, $570,000
Yesterday, we reported that the South Siders snagged Venezuelan outfielder Orlando Patiño from the grasp of the Los Angeles Dodgers. Per Baseball America’s Ben Badler, the Dodgers could not guarantee Patiño a contract, so he decided to go with the Sox’s offer, which was $170,000 more than what the Blue Crew had offered.
At 6’2″ and 203 pounds, Patiño already boasts impressive strength for his age, evident in his powerful right-handed swing. Given the current offensive needs in Chicago’s minor league system, this potential potent bat is a valuable asset. Projected as a corner outfielder, Patiño also possesses a plus arm, making him a natural fit for right field.
Alejandro Cruz, 3B, Cuba — $2 million
At 17-year-old, Cruz currently ranks 33rd on MLB Pipeline’s Top 50 list. The infielder is a versatile athlete who primarily slots in at the hot corner but possesses the skills to play multiple positions. With a short swing, he makes good contact and has a better-than-average eye at the plate. His athleticism is evident, as demonstrated by his impressive performance with Cuba’s U-18 National Team in 2023 when he was 16. That year, he showcased his offensive potential and speed on the basepaths when he hit .337 with six doubles, two triples, 12 RBIs, and 10 stolen bases.
Yobal Rodríguez, RHP, Cuba — unknown
According to Francys Romero, at 6’3″, the 16-year-old hurler has a blazing fastball that currently sits between 91-94 mph, showing the potential to touch 98 mph. Considered one of the possible hidden gems of the 2024-2025 draft class, the righthander most recently played for the MVP Baseball Academy in Central Florida.