Power-hitting third baseman among Tigers international free agent signings

The international signing period began today, meaning teams can start signing amateur international free agents. The Detroit Tigers have wasted no time in getting some top international talent.
The Tigers had $6.52 million in international signing bonus pool money this year and they appear to be putting that money to good use so far.

The most notable signing is 17-year-old Dominican infielder Nestor Miranda, who is ranked No. 45 on MLB Pipeline's top international prospects list. Miranda is already well put together physically, listed at 6-foot-3, 225 lbs. He could still grow even more, but he's already in a pretty good spot as a 17-year-old.

Scouts love his potential as a hitter. He's already shown a good eye at the plate and big power. Here's what Pipeline has to say about Miranda:

"Miranda is a big-bodied infielder who has made a name for himself as a solid defender and hitter with lots of potential. Specifically, scouts note that the teen’s pitch recognition and composure on offense are advanced for a player his age. Overall, Miranda shows a good approach at the plate and a knack for managing the strike zone. "

- MLB Pipeline

Miranda certainly sounds like a Scott Harris type of player. He definitely fits the "dominate the strike zone" mantra. But what's even more promising is his defense.

Pipeline sounds pretty bullish on his defensive profile. It seems like they think he can stick at the hot corner for the long haul, which could be huge.

Miranda might be the most exciting international free agent the Tigers have signed since Cristian Santana. We can't wait to see him on the field.

Another free agent the Tigers have reportedly agreed to terms with is Venezulan outfielder Jesus Pinto. The Tigers will be giving him a $900,000 signing bonus, according to Evan Petzold of The Detroit Free Press.

Here's a list of other IFAs the Tigers have signed up to this point, from out friends over at Tigers Minor League Report:

The Tigers haven't taken the international market seriously for a long time. Willy Adames is the only IFA in recent memory that has had any big league impact, but of course, he's had that impact on other teams.

Scott Harris at least appears to be trying to change that. According to Petzold's story, all of the signings from 2023 had promising starts to their pro careers in rookie ball. Catcher Enrique Jimenez is currently ranked as the Tigers' 18th best prospect according to Pipeline.

It would be huge if even one of these guys reaches the big leagues. It's incredibly difficult to project teenagers, but I personally feel pretty good about Miranda just based off his build and profile.