The 2017 international class was deep in talent and the Boston Red Sox made sure to take full advantage this year. It was the first time Boston really got to participate in the process in the last couple years.
The Red Sox were ineligible for two full signing periods after blowing past the soft cap with the signings of Anderson Espinoza and Yoan Moncada during the 2014-15 international signing period.
This year international signing period was the first of its kind, as it got changed in last year new CBA. Each team used to have a soft cap and pretty much exile any team from the process if they go over. Now they have implemented a new hard cap that can be extended via trades from other teams cap.
The Red Sox started things off with Venezuelan catcher Daniel Flores, who is ranked second. A 17-year old switch-hitter, Flores is a strong, physical player who draws great reviews for his exceptional defensive skill set with high offensive performance as well. Some teams had Flores as the number one player available. The backstop is known mostly for his defensive chops, as he’s already an elite player behind the plate. Specifically, he already gets the ball to second base at elite times and blocks pitches really well. The young catcher has impressive footwork, release point as well as a seamless transfer of the ball from the glove to the hand. offensively, he relies more on power right now but has plenty of potential to develop as an all-around solid hitter.
The Red Sox stayed in Venezuela for their next top-ranked international talent. The Red Sox signed shortstop Danny Diaz. Although Diaz is a shortstop, don’t be surprised if the organization moves him to the hot corner with the lack of production as the specific positions. Diaz is the complete opposite of Flores as he is known for his bat versus the fielding. The big infielder is projected to be an above-average power hitter and could potentially be an above-average bat. Diaz hits the ball hard and has potential to become a significant addition to the middle of the order down the road.
In all, the Red Sox have signed 30 international prospects including another top-50 prospect.
