Detroit Tigers: Tigers sign 16-year-old Cuban prospect

July 2nd officially marks the beginning of the MLB’s international signing period and the Detroit Tigers wasted no time in bringing on another youthful talent.

With Tuesday being the first day of the international signing period, the Detroit Tigers have already made an interesting move. According to reports, the Tigers have signed 16-year-old Cuban prospect Roberto Campos to a deal which includes a $3 million bonus.

Campos, an infielder, is the most notable of Detroit’s four international signings today so according to Baseball America. MLB.com’s Jesse Sanchez says that Campos barely missed the cut on the list of top 30 international prospects eligible to sign beginning on Tuesday.

Not much is known about Campos’ game, but the various rumblings around the young prospect seem to indicate some good potential. The Detroit News’ Chris McCosky mentions that Campos has experience at both third base and shortstop but could transition to the outfield during his development toward the major leagues.

A 2016 article by Enrique Rojas of ESPN discusses how that year, at the age of just 13, Roberto Campos and his older brother Raul defected from Cuba while playing in a baseball tournament in the Dominican Republic. Roberto played third base and was named tournament MVP.

Being just 16, obviously, the Detroit Tigers will have plenty of time to help Campos grow and develop his game further. It will definitely be interesting to see how he does climbing the ranks of Detroit’s farm system and if the planned transition to the outfield works.

The signing of Roberto Campos is an interesting and exciting move by the Tigers organization. His youth and the fact that not too much is known about his game should make him quite the intriguing prospect to watch in the coming years. Detroit has also reportedly signed three other players today including two from Venezuela and one from the Dominican Republic.