Cubs reportedly will sign seven prospects in IFA period |
Today is arguably the biggest day in the History of the International Free Agent period, and much of that falls on Roki Sasaki. Heralded as the most touted pitcher ever to step foot from Japan, Sasaki wasn't a traditional Japanese free agent and thus must follow the International Free Agent rules.
That alone has been taking up plenty of attention lately, and with today being the first day he can sign with a club, all eyes will be on him and where he chooses to go. For those who missed out on the Sasaki sweepstakes, including the Cubs, the International Free-agent period rolled on as the Cubs continued to do what they do best. Stockpile as many International Free Agents as possible and hope for the best. With more than six million dollars in IFA money to play with, the Cubs had close to the most money to spend, and they used it wisely to bring in seven very talented players according to Baseball America. Despite most of them being shortstops, they are athletic enough to switch positions. That all starts with their highest-rated player, 10th-ranked Juan Cabada. The 16-year-old shortstop is a Dominican-born product who is already pushing 5-11 and 165 pounds. Known for his strong work ethic and overall love for the game, Cabada has been viewed as one of the top prospects in this class since 2023. Cabada sports a left-handed swing with significant bat speed that enables him to pepper various offerings to all parts of the field. Right now, his strengths are primarily as a doubles hitter, but that will change when he adds more strength to his overall frame. An above-average runner with powerful legs on his developing frame, Cabada is a threat on the basepaths and a smooth-moving defender up the middle with the arm talent to stay there long term. Wilfri De La Cruz: Although he isn't as highly rated as Cabada, checking in at No. 13, De La Cruz is seen to have the highest ceiling, which is why he is getting the biggest contract of the Cubs prospects. Another Dominican-born SS, De La Cruz, is already sporting an MLB-type frame at 6-2 and 170 pounds at just 17 years old. According to scouts around the League, many feel De La Cruz is as gifted as they come and could have the highest upside of any prospect. What stands out most in the box about De La Cruz is how loose and easy his swing looks from both sides. He currently focuses on line-drive contact, but as he gets into the pro ranks, he focuses on launching the ball, particularly to his pull side. Once that happens, he will become an extra-base threat capable of producing at high levels. De La Cruz works up the middle as a shortstop due to his slick fielding repertoire, including plus actions and premium footwork. He has quick, soft hands and the better-than-average arm strength to go along with it. However, given his build and projectable makeup, some feel he will grow out of the SS position and be forced to move to the OF. Juan Tomas: Speaking of SSs, Juan Tomas makes it three IFA SS for the Cubs as he has come to terms with Chicago. Despite not being mentioned among the elite IFA prospects, some feel Tomas has the most significant upside of anyone in the Cubs class. You get a sense of that when you see his massive 6-3 frame, and he may not be done growing. Having that type of build at such a young age is huge, but having the overall tools to go with that build is something you can't teach. He’s a plus runner with the look of a player who might still get faster as he fills out. There’s potential for a power/speed threat with Tomas’ ability to drive the ball with impact now. The Power will translate later in his career, but he still can put the ball over the fence.
Tadeo Gomez: It's been a while since the Cubs went the IFA route to find a pitcher, but adding Tadeo Gomez changes that. The Mexican-born RHP is listed as one of the arms to watch in this year's class despite his less-than-intimidating 10 frame. What he lacks in size is that he makes up for in pitch ability, as his fastball has shown several times by reaching 94 MPH. That will only continue to increase with more experience and work on the mound.
Elerick Gomez: Not much information has been given on Gomez apart from being another young SS prospect capable of turning into a solid piece.
Julio Acosta: A rare OF prospect in terms of the IFA market, Acosta is another intriguing piece for the Cubs. Primarily a CF, Acosta is one of the more athletic players regardless of position and offers a great mix of speed and Power. He's a right-handed hitter who is still learning the overall strengths and weaknesses of his game, but he does have the power potential everyone dreams about should it come together.
Luis Santos: The final SS selection made by the Cubs comes in the form of Luis Santos. Another one of the many Dominican-born players, Santos is the definition of compact, as he gives you a Nick Madrigal vibe when you look at his body.
Despite his young age, Santos has an excellent feel for the strike zone and an efficient swing, which leads to consistent hard contact. Although the Power may never translate, look for him as one of those gap-to-gap extra base hitters who seems ticketed for a move to 2B.
One name that hasn't shown up on the list yet but is expected to is SS Jaims Martinez. Considered the hidden gem of this IFA class, Martinez is another one of the many switch hitters who brings with him one of the best work ethics in the game.
Hailing from an athletically gifted family, Martinez may be the most athletic one of them, bringing him significant developmental potential. Should he get added, he may supplant Cebada and/or De La Cruz as the premiere talent in this class.
