Introduction

In a strategic move that is turning heads within the baseball community, the San Diego Padres are reportedly finalizing the signings of two standout international prospects hailing from the Dominican Republic: left-handed pitcher Carlos Alvarez and talented shortstop Jhoan De La Cruz. This news comes from reliable sources, including Will Sammon from The Athletic and Francys Romero of BeisbolFR.com.

Details of the Signings

Alvarez is set to receive a signing bonus of approximately $1 million, while the details surrounding De La Cruz’s bonus are still under wraps, though it’s anticipated to be in the vicinity of $2 million. Baseball America’s Ben Badler had earlier estimated De La Cruz’s value between $1 million and $1.5 million, highlighting the competitiveness for top international talent.

Impact on Roki Sasaki Chase

However, the Padres' movements send a clear message: they may be stepping back from the high-stakes race for Japanese pitching sensation Roki Sasaki. Multiple sources indicate the franchise believes their chances of securing Sasaki are dwindling. While Alvarez was initially poised to explore diverse opportunities, his commitment to the Padres seems solidified now that his signing is on the verge of completion, further underscoring doubts about a potential Sasaki deal.

Competition for Sasaki

San Diego was among three teams, alongside the Los Angeles Dodgers and Toronto Blue Jays, vying for Sasaki’s signature. While the Dodgers were purportedly maneuvering trades to expand their limited international bonus pool, currently at MLB’s lowest of $5.146 million, the Padres and Jays hold slightly more, each sitting at about $6.262 million. There were also reports of the Padres seeking trades to maximize their potential bonus offerings.

Sasaki's Decision Factors

It’s worth noting that agent Joel Wolfe previously stated that Sasaki’s ultimate decision will likely extend beyond mere financial incentives. The young star could have chosen to wait two additional years to become a “professional” under MLB rules, a strategy that paid off handsomely for fellow Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who inked a staggering $325 million deal with the Dodgers following his tenure as an amateur.

Prospects Overview

For Padres fans, the glimmer of hope still flickers, as Sasaki has yet to officially commit to a team. Nevertheless, news of the club’s push towards Alvarez and De La Cruz casts shadows on their likelihood of landing the prized pitcher.

Despite any setbacks in the Sasaki pursuit, the signings of Alvarez and De La Cruz are substantial boons for the Padres' minor league system. MLB.com ranks them as the No. 21 and No. 39 prospects in their latest class. De La Cruz is praised for his well-rounded skill set, boasting a solid power profile and the physicality (standing at 5’11”, weighing 170 pounds) necessary to thrive at shortstop.

Player Profiles

Alvarez, at just 17 years old, towers at an impressive 6’5” and has already showcased a fastball reaching 93 mph. His background as a former outfielder gives him a fresh arm compared to typical teenage pitchers, and early indicators of respectable command and developing secondary pitches are promising signs for his future on the mound.

Conclusion

As the Padres continue to expand their roster with notable prospects, the focus remains on building a robust future while navigating the complexities of high-stakes international signings. Will they land their dream pitcher or build a powerhouse through emerging talent? Only time will tell!