Chris Getz, Chicago White Sox senior vice president and general manager, takes questions at a press conference to announce his promotion to the new positions at Guaranteed Rate Field Thursday, Aug. 31, 2023, in Chicago. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)
As far as pure power-hitting international prospects are concerned, Eduardo Herrera’s potential ranks among the best in this year’s class.
The White Sox are expected to be the beneficiary of the untapped potential of MLB.com’s No. 11 international prospect. According to an industry source, the 17-year-old third baseman agreed to a deal with the South Siders upon Monday’s opening of the 2024 international signing period, but the club has not yet confirmed the agreement.
Chicago has a $5.284 million signing pool.
With a hulking 6-foot-2, 200-pound frame, the teen ultimately projects to be a big bat in the middle of a lineup. It’s worth noting that scouts rave about his ability to adjust from pitch to pitch at the plate and handle both fastball and offspeed offerings.
The shortstop-turned-third baseman has drawn comparisons to a teenage Albert Pujols — in terms of body type and raw power — and scouts have applauded his competitiveness. He will continue to hone his game while receiving daily instruction from the White Sox.
Hererra played for the Venezuelan 18-and-under national team when he was just 15 years old. For his size, he is a decent runner and has the work ethic to get even better with time. Defensively, Herrera made the switch to third base after outgrowing shortstop. At the hot corner, he is an average defender and could eventually move to first as he matures.
Herrera trains in Venezuela with Alexis Salazar, a member of MLB’s Trainer Partnership Program.
An international player is eligible to sign with a Major League team between Jan. 15 and Dec. 15. He must turn 16 before he signs and be 17 before Sept. 1 the following year.
That means players born between Sept. 1, 2006, and Aug. 31, 2007, will be eligible to sign in the current signing period. Players must be registered with Major League Baseball in advance to be eligible to sign.
