MLB Pipeline released their list of the top 30 international prospects ahead of the July 2nd signing period. According to their rankings, the Pittsburgh Pirates are the favorites to sign 16-year-old right-handed pitcher Cristopher Cruz. Pipeline has Cruz ranked 20th overall, though among pitchers only, he is the third best prospect on their list.
Cruz stands in at 6’2″, 170 pounds and he’s from the Dominican Republic. According to the scouting reports, they believe he has the potential to be a top of the rotation starter one day. His fastball already sits low-90s with movement, and he can get it up to 94 MPH. Cruz has the makings of a solid curveball and Pipeline says that his changeup is improving. There is a lot to like already with his repeatable mechanics and easy arm action, plus he has a projectable frame.
Perfect Game Baseball put together a video highlight package for Cruz last year.
Pipeline has their own highlight video
The Pirates will have $6,481,200 to spend from July 2, 2019 until June 15, 2020 on international players. That will make it their biggest budget ever on the international side.
