The Detroit Tigers need to start showing international success

The MLB International Signing Period starts this Saturday as the Detroit Tigers are targeting two shortstops.

The Detroit Tigers are linked to two teenage shortstops in Javier Osorio and Samuel Gil. Both Gil and Osorio are from Venezuela and are listed among Baseball America’s Top 50 Prospects Board, with Osorio ranked 10th and Gil at number 21.

Trevor Hooth of Bless You Boys.com did a write up on both of the players, including the notes from Baseball America, so check out the various upsides they both posses but there are a few items of note to discuss that have unfolded recently that may change how the Tigers sign international talent in the future.

The Detroit Tigers will approach the international scene differently.

In the past two months, there has been a lot of activity of filling in various positions throughout the developmental side of the organization. Euclides Rojas is now the Director of Latin American Player Development. An emphasis on analytics and assisting Latin players in their transition into the minor league life continues to grow.

The international signing success list for the Detroit Tigers has been a short one. Last year, Evan Woodbery of Mlive.com did a great job of highlighting the last decade of signings and we have discussed the lack of success for pitchers.

The Tigers’ 2018 signing, Alvaro Gonzalez, struggled in Lakeland this season, putting up a slash line of .200/.243/.284. Another 2018 signing, Adinso Reyes, who signed for $1,450,000, just turned 20 but still hasn’t advanced past rookie ball and Angel Cruz, who signed for $500,000 in the same signing period, played one season of in the Dominican summer league and then was out of the organization after 2019.

Meanwhile, the Dodgers in 2018 signed Hyun-il Choi signed for $300,000 and he was named the Branch Rickey Minor League Pitcher of the Year. Andy Pagas, Miguel Vargas, all Dodgers international signings for $300,000, are among their top prospects not only in their system but are among the Top 100 on Baseball America’s list. 

As far as the Tigers in the last decade, the 2013 Top 100 featured at number 74, Avisail Garcia and Bruce Rondon, at number 95. Granted, rankings are rankings, but to only have a low presentation is worth noting. The Tigers can hang their hat on Harold Castro, 400 plate appearances from Dixon Machado and a handful of appearances from a few others, but Jeimer Candelario, Isaac Paredes and Willi Castro were all acquired by trade.

So with the second most amount of bonus money to spend on at $5,721,200, the Tigers may have the ability to sign a third player. Francys Romero of MLB.com listed 12 Cuban free agents and there were a few players that could help Detroit.

• • Pablo Guillén, 23, RHP: He was pitching in the LVBP (Venezuela Winter League) this winter and prior to that, spent five seasons pitching for Villa Clara in the Cuban National Series. This signing could be one for pitching depth.
  • Brander Guevera, 19, RHP: Another arm to consider. Here he is from four years ago, pitching for the U-15 Cuban baseball team.

• • Loidel Chapellí Jr, OF: Lefty bat that is known more for his offense than defense. He did a showcase in front of MLB scouts yesterday.

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With the fresh faces in the development department, the Tigers will hopefully start having more international players reach the majors. Robert Campos, De La Cruz and others that have upside like Rayner Castillo, who is only 17 but already showing a plus breaking ball.

The entire process is a matter of good scouting and a bit of luck on finding gems that are signed at lower amounts. The Tigers’ fortune is due to change.