As expected, the Washington Nationals have made a splash during Major League Baseball’s international signing period. The Nationals signed switch-hitting outfielder Cristhian Vaquero, MLB Pipeline’s No. 2 international prospect. Baseball America ranks him No. 1.
The Nationals inked the 17-year Cuban to a $4.9 million signing bonus. The $4.9 million is a club record for international players, exceeding the $3.9 million it gave shortstop Armando Cruz last year and infielder Yasel Antuna in 2016. The Nationals used the majority of its $5,179,000 international signing pool.
And with good reason. Vaquero is considered a five-tool player, who can play all three positions in the outfield. He is nicknamed “The Phenomenon,” standing at 6-foot-3 and 190 pounds.
According to MLB Pipeline, Vaquero was originally a left-handed hitter but transformed into a switch-hitter once he left Cuba. He’s been training in the Dominican Republic with his trainer Javier Rodriguez, and has familiarity with Nationals outfielders Juan Soto and Victor Robles.
Nationals Assistant GM of International Operations Johnny DiPuglia compared Vaquero to an Alabama WR.
“You go around the world scouting players, you don’t see guys that are 6-foot-3, 190, switch hitter, center-field profile,” DiPuglia told NBC Sports Washington. “He was born a wide receiver at the University of Alabama. That’s the kind of athlete he is…I take that back, I like the University of Miami better.”
The Nationals signed nine other players, including 16-year old shortstop Jorgelys Mota. Additionally they signed left-hand pitcher Marlon Perez, catchers Jeremy Bautista and Helder Rosario, infielders Albert Casado and Misael Mojica and right-hand pitchers Ramon Cuevas, Miguel Moreno and Camilo Sanchez.
The 10 total players come from three different countries. Two are from Cuba, seven from the Dominican and one from Panama.
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