The 2023 international signing period opens Sunday for Major League Baseball clubs. The Houston Astros are linked to top talent in the class, and the latest name to join the conversation is Carlos Caba, a source confirmed Saturday. Caba, a right-handed outfielder, worked out with the Dominican Summer League Astros in the past year, showing good results to the coaching staff.
As of Saturday, Astros Future knew of six expected signees: Caba, outfielder Esmil Valencia, infielder Luis Jesús Quesada, shortstop German Ramirez, shortstop Camilo Diaz and right-handed pitcher Ruben Menes. In regard to signing bonuses, Valencia is projected to make roughly $1 million, Ramirez is in agreement on $1.2 million, Diaz is projected roughly $2 million and Menes is in agreement on $700,000.
Quesada told Astros Future he couldn’t disclose his signing bonus, and a source didn’t provide Caba’s. Menes, who pledged to the Astros in July, told Astros Future no other organization joined discussions with him in the past six months.
West Eligible for World Baseball Classic
Double-A right-handed pitcher Derek West was ruled eligible to play for the Netherlands in the 2023 World Baseball Classic this week, he told Astros Future. West — who trained with the Netherlands coaching staff and players in November — awaited WBC approval for two months, following a submission that proved his Dutch ancestry.
“They are excited to be able to have me,” West said.
Preseason Top-10 Prospects
Baseball America released its Astros preseason top-10 prospects for the 2023 on Friday.
- RHP Hunter Brown
- C/1B Yainer Díaz
- OF Drew Gilbert
- OF Jacob Melton
- UTL David Hensley
- OF/2B Pedro León
- C Korey Lee
- RHP Spencer Arrighetti
- OF Justin Dirden
- RHP Miguel Ullola
The outlet projected Houston’s 2026 roster, listing Lee at catcher, Díaz at first base, Gilbert in center field and Brown as the No. 5 starting pitcher. Baseball America ranked seven four-year college products in the Astros’ top-10, which is tied for the most of any organization.
Quick Hits
- Yainer Díaz announced Saturday the addition of a second offseason softball game for Las Estrellas de Yainer Díaz against Team Stridels. The contest will be played Tuesday in the Dominican Republic.
- The Astros could target Cuban catcher Luis Armando Morejon for the 2024 international signing period, a source said. Morejon — whose trainer, Yuan Pino, also worked with Quesada — confirmed interest with the organization.
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