The Chicago Cubs are reportedly inking shortstop Fernando Cruz to a $4 million signing bonus, which will be the biggest signing bonus for an international free agent in team history.
The Cubs have been linked to Cruz since 2022, and now with the 2024 IFA officially opening up, the infielder from the Dominican Republic is set to become the highest valued IFA in franchise history. Just to put into perspective on how highly Cruz is being evaluated, Cristian Hernandez signed for $3 million when he was the team’s top IFA a few years ago.
Cruz ranks as the fourth best prospect in this year’s IFA class according to MLB.com.
Here’s a quick scouting report via MLB Pipeline.
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Cruz sports a tantalizing set of tools that brim with upside. Known as a hitter capable of spraying the ball to all fields because of his tremendously strong hands and forearms, Cruz has enough strength in his swing to enable him to hit the ball to right field as if he were a left-handed batter. With an easy load and superb bat speed, his sound offensive approach will lend itself to 20-to-25 homer power as he matures. Despite being known as an aggressive swinger, he has an advanced feel for the barrel.
Cruz is also the cousin of former Cubs middle infielder Starlin Castro.
Cruz will be this year’s biggest IFA signing for the Cubs, but they’re certainly searching for more hidden gems.
According to Baseball America, the Cubs have also signed the following players from the 2024 signing period.
Robin Ortiz, OF, Dominican Republic
Yander Maria, RHP, Dominican Republic
Diego Gonzalez, C, Venezuela
Frailin Alejo, RHP, Dominican Republic
Juan Monzo, SS, Dominican Republic
The Cubs have a total of $5.152.200 available to spend in this year’s IFA signing period. The team forfeited $500,000 from their pool money after signing Dansby Swanson last offseason after he rejected the qualifying offer from the Atlanta Braves.
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The Cubs have a total of $5.152.200 available to spend in this year’s IFA signing period. The team forfeited $500,000 from their pool money after signing Dansby Swanson last offseason after he rejected the qualifying offer from the Atlanta Braves.