MLB’s international signing period opened on Thursday.
And it’s a huge day for the San Francisco Giants.
The Giants have landed the signature of the player ranked No. 1 in the entire class by MLB.com, Luis Hernandez.
According to MLB.com, it’s a $5 million signing for Hernandez, a 17-year old shortstop from Venezuela.
“Gifted with immense physical projection and a laundry list of impressive tools, the native of Guárico, Venezuela, also earns plus marks for his work ethic and all-around baseball IQ,” MLB Pipeline writes.
Hernandez bats and throws right, and he’s listed at 5-foot-10 and 180 pounds.
“At just 15 years old, Hernández excelled during a stint in the Venezuelan Major League,” MLB Pipeline writes. “He hit .346 across 104 at-bats against much older and more experienced competition, routinely showcasing preternaturally gifted bat speed and a consistent ability to get to his extra-base pop. Evaluators believe there’s even more home run power to come as he continues to fill out his frame, while he shows a penchant for loud contact against a variety of pitches.”
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On the 20-to-80 scouting scale, Hernandez is given grades of 65 hit, 60 power, 60 run, 60 field and 50 arm.
Players that rank at the top of a given international signing class have a long way to go, given they sign as teenagers. But they also often develop into promising prospects and solid major leaguers.
It’s huge for the Giants to land Hernandez’s signature.
