Jul 14, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; A detailed view of a Chicago White Sox hat and glove in the dugout against the Atlanta Braves in the fourth inning at Truist Park. Photo: Brett Davis/USA TODAY Sports

White Sox to Sign Top Cuban Prospect Alejandro Cruz

Originally posted on On Tap Sports Net | By Besnik Zekiri | Last updated Mar 7, 2024 3:42 PM ET

The Chicago White Sox Cactus League slate is well underway, but that didn't stop the front office from making a move. Chicago will reportedly sign top-ranked Cuban prospect Alejandro Cruz when the next international signing period opens on January 15, 2025.

Francys Romero reports that the Sox will sign Cruz for roughly $2 million, a significant bonus. Despite being a free agent eligible to sign in 2024, the 17-year-old has elected to wait due to the White Sox' limited international budget.

Sources: Cuban prospect 3B Alejandro Cruz (17) is expected to sign with the Chicago White Sox for around $2 M when a new international signing period opens January 15, 2025.

Cruz is already eligible to sign since he was declared a free agent in January 2024. However, the wait… pic.twitter.com/WXGiNeYElt
— Francys Romero (@francysromeroFR) March 6, 2024

The Cuban Connection

Cruz batted .337 with six doubles, two triples, 12 RBIs, and 10 stolen bases with Cuba's U-18 National team. Despite spending the bulk of his time at third base, Cruz reportedly has the ability and athleticism to play multiple positions.

Cuban infielder Alejandro Cruz (17) impressed yesterday in his showcase at El Naranjo, Dominican Republic.

Several MLB teams interested.

Cruz was declared a free agent last week. Member of the Cuban national team U-12 (2019), U-15 (2022).

Solid contact hitter, above-average… pic.twitter.com/LghRsuPdte
— Francys Romero (@francysromeroFR) January 17, 2024

Along with that athleticism, he brings good contact ability and an above-average arm.

Cuban INF Alejandro Cruz (16) will have his main showcase on January 16 with several MLB teams interested.

Location: Play del Naranjo, Bocachica, Dominican Republic (9 AM).

I ranked Cruz as the #3 prospect in my list of the top 25 Cuban prospects U-15 in 2023.

He was member… pic.twitter.com/7JxpFhwZmw
— Francys Romero (@francysromeroFR) January 3, 2024

What's On Tap Next?

The White Sox are no strangers to Cuban talent, evidenced by their rich history of players from the island. Little information exists regarding Cruz, but the franchise has scouted the country's talent well for decades.

As the 2025 international signing period approaches, more information will become available.

This article first appeared on On Tap Sports Net and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: