Santo Domingo event showcases next crop of top talent

By César Augusto Márquez

While the next crop of international free agents won’t be eligible to sign until July 2, Major League Baseball scouts have been hard at work over the winter, watching showcases, private workouts and prospect leagues across the Caribbean. The next showcase started this week at the Estadio Quisqueya Juan Marichal in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, a two-day event bringing together a number of promising teenagers, some of whom may get offers this summer as high as $3 million.

This list includes two catchers, two infielders and an outfielder. Put aside for a moment their designations — more than ever, teams are looking for kids who make contact and elevate the ball. Not seeing a pitcher in this group is not a coincidence. Teams are searching for the next Miguel Cabrera or José Altuve, not the next Pedro Martínez.

This list, however, does not include highly regarded 21-year-old Cuban outfielder Juan Pablo Martínez, who because of his nationality needs to establish residency in another country before being eligible to sign. Martínez has the option of signing right away or waiting until July 2 and the start of the 2018-19 signing period, when most teams will have their full international free agent bonus pool allocations available and will be able to offer more money.

Compact swing and gap power

SS Orelvis Martínez
Born Nov. 19, 2001, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic
6-foot-1 / 190 pounds
Projected club: Toronto Blue Jays

Other than Juan Pablo Martínez, no prospect may be more coveted than Orelvis. The Blues Jays, who last summer made a big splash by signing the hard-throwing Brazilian Eric Pardinho, are homing in on another talented teenager. Orelvis is a right-handed hitter with a compact swing, smooth mechanics, good extension and gap power. While not a speedy runner, defensively he has soft hands, an above-average arm and decent range to both sides.

“He is the most talented player coming out this year. He can hit to any part of the field. And he has pop, which is very good for a player who is still developing,” a scout for a team in the American League East told La Vida Baseball.

“Orelvis should take less than five years to make it to the major leagues. The question is whether it will be as a shortstop or, because of his height, as a third baseman,” said a scout for a team in the National League West.

Impeccable defense

OF Misael Urbina
Born April 26, 2002, in Miranda, Venezuela
6-foot-0 / 170 pounds
Projected club: Minnesota Twins

The son of the late Henry Centeno, a former minor league pitcher turned major league scout, Urbina is considered the best outfielder prospect. He hits and throws righty. Athletic and quick, he covers a lot of ground and is one of the speediest runners in this year’s class.

“Misael is a 4-tool player because he doesn’t have a powerful arm. But it’s good enough to play centerfield. He’s fast, sprays the ball all over the field and plays impeccable defense. Because of his fitness and conditioning, I wouldn’t be surprised if he steals the show at the showcase,” said a scout for team in the AL West.

A Mini-Machado

SS Noelvi Marte
Born Oct. 16, 2001, in Cotuí, Dominican Republic
6-foot-2 / 185 pounds
Projected club: Seattle Mariners

Marte is another big prospect brimming with talent and power. His favorite player is Manny Machado. Coincidentally, Marte is already as tall as Machado, which is why the hot corner may be in his future. Something of a free swinger, the right-handed Marte will need to improve his contact rate. But when he makes contact, watch out.

“Marte has so much raw power. The only drawback I see in him is that he doesn’t fit the mold of your classic shortstop, which is why I think that he’ll eventually end up at third base,” said scout for team in the NL West.

Hitting Catcher

C Diego Cartaya
Born Sept. 7, 2001, in Vargas, Venezuela
6-foot-2 / 185 pounds
Projected club: Los Angeles Dodgers

Cartaya is first and foremost an offensive catcher, considered one of the best hitters in this year’s crop. The Los Angeles Dodgers, who had been under the penalty the past two years, will now have a full bonus pool allocation to go after the right-handed Cartaya. They also love his strong arm and his baseball IQ. This kid has been representing Venezuela in tournaments since age 10.

“I’m not exaggerating when I say that Diego Cartaya and Orelvis Martínez are two of the best hitters in Latin America this year. He has produced at every level. It’s possible that in the future he will switch positions, so they can maximize his hitting. What I love about him is his ability to make contact against any pitcher and put the ball in play anywhere in the field,” said a scout for team in the NL West.

‘El Troll’

C Francisco Álvarez
Born November 19, 2001, in Miranda, Venezuela
5-foot-11 / 185 pounds
Projected club: New York Mets

Stocky and powerful, he reminds some of Hall of Famer Iván “Pudge” Rodríguez. In fact, because of his build, they call him “El Troll.” The right-handed Álvarez has a short and powerful swing, and up to now he has hit at every level. Behind the plate, he has soft hands, guiding the pitches gently into his glove and quickly whipping the ball out.

“Álvarez has a lot of power, and that’s been his calling card since we started following him. He’s stocky, which in scout-speak means he’s not too tall and is not expected to grow much more,” said a scout for an NL East team.

Álvarez skipped a January showcase for Venezuelan players that was held in Colombia by Major League Baseball, but apparently that hasn’t affected his standing.

“Those of us who have been following him believe in his bat and think that he’s improved as a catcher,” said a scout for an NL Central team.

Featured Image: International Baseball Company