Zander MuethDaniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images
Chicago Cubs: SS Fernando Cruz (Age: 18)
Cruz received the third-highest bonus of the 2024 international class and the second-highest international bonus in Cubs franchise history when he signed for $4 million last January. With elite bat speed and 55-grade raw power, Cruz has the upside to quickly join the top tier of a stacked Cubs system, though he hit just .215/.326/.329 in 25 games in the Dominican Summer League in his pro debut.
Cincinnati Reds: RHP Ty Floyd (Age: 23)
A 17-strikeout performance against Florida in the College World Series finals sent Floyd’s draft stock soaring, and the LSU right-hander ended up going No. 38 overall in the 2023 draft. Shoulder surgery sidelined him for the entire 2024 season, and still has not made his pro debut, but he could quickly rise up the prospect ranks if he picks up where he left off to close out his collegiate career.
Milwaukee Brewers: SS/3B Jesus Made (Age: 17)
No 2024 international signing made a better first impression than Made, who hit .331/.458/.554 with 21 extra-base hits, 28 steals and more walks (39) than strikeouts (28) over 51 games in the Dominican Summer League. He has a 55-hit, 55-power offensive profile, and while he has split his time evenly between shortstop and third base to begin his pro career, it’s his bat that could allow him to move quickly through the system.
Pittsburgh Pirates: RHP Zander Mueth (Age: 19)
A year after Paul Skenes and Jared Jones debuted in the majors, the Pirates have more high-ceiling pitching talent in the pipeline, with Bubba Chandler, Thomas Harrington and Braxton Ashcraft headlining the farm system. With a projectable 6’6″, 205-pound frame and strong early returns in his pro debut, including a 2.31 ERA and 79 strikeouts in 74 innings, Mueth has a chance to join that group if he can take a step forward with his command.
St. Louis Cardinals: C Rainiel Rodriguez (Age: 17)
After signing for $300,000 in April, Rodriguez made an immediate splash in his pro debut, hitting .345/.462/.683 with 12 doubles, 10 home runs and 38 RBI in 41 games in the Dominican Summer League. His defensive game could take some time to develop behind the plate, and he has a power-over-contact approach that could be tested against more advanced pitching, but his 60-grade power is the real deal.
