Padres sign 17-year-old Cuban OF Ramses Velazquez
Credit: ADN Cuba
During the A.J. Preller regime, the San Diego Padres have been active on the international market.
On Thursday, the Padres signed 17-year-old Cuban outfielder Ramses Velazquez to a contract.
The left-handed hitter is expected to report to the DSL this season. The expectation is that he may be ready for ACL play next summer or possibly later this season, depending on his progression on the field.
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Velazquez is described as a burgeoning power hitter with a smooth swing.
The 17-year-old is a native of the Guantanamo providence. Reports indicate he left the area in 2020 in search of training and refinement to his game. The Padres are pleased with what the young outfielder is showing, but there is a long road ahead for the teenager if he wants to be a major leaguer one day.
This is the 32nd Cuban-born player to be signed in the major leagues during the current international market period, which ends in December. With this signing, the Padres (12) surpass the Chicago White Sox in terms of Cuban prospects in their system. Only the Houston Astros (21) have more within their system.
The Padres are branching out like no other time regarding the international market. We are only now seeing the fruits of the labor (Adrian Morejon, Fernando Tatis Jr., Michel Baez, etc.) in Petco Park.
The San Diego Padres have signed Ramses Velazquez, 17-year-old outfielder from Cuba. pic.twitter.com/NUzrhIZAUl
— Ben Badler (@BenBadler) July 28, 2022
A.J. Preller loves the 6-foot-1 outfielder who shows excellent athleticism. Reports indicate that he has plus speed and will be a blessing on defense in the outfield.
The current market does end in December, so expect the Padres to sign a few more players in the coming months.
Stay tuned as we keep you up to date on all things San Diego Padres.
James was born and raised in America’s Finest City. He is a passionate baseball fan with even more passion towards his hometown Padres. Editor-In-Chief of EastVillageTimes.com. Always striving to bring you the highest quality in San Diego Sports News. Original content, with original ideas, that’s our motto. Enjoy.