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The Athletics, San Diego Padres, Kansas City Royals, and Houston Astros officially announced the signing of five young Cuban players in the current international signing period: outfielder Darián Rojas, pitchers Jordan Pérez, and position players Jaider Suárez, Jack Valbrune, and Joniel Hernández, respectively, confirming the strong presence of talent from the island in professional baseball.
According to journalist Francys Romero on the social media platform Facebook, these talented players have enough potential to rise within the Major League system.
Darián Rojas, athletic prospect of the Athletics
The Athletics signed the Havana outfielder Darián Rojas for a bonus of 500,000 dollars.
Rojas was a member of the Cuba U-18 team in 2024 and is valued for his athleticism, natural contact skills, and high baseball IQ. Scouts believe he still has several tools in development, making him a project with significant growth potential.
Jordan Pérez, a young arm for San Diego
The right-handed pitcher Jordan Pérez reached an agreement with the San Diego Padres for 300,000 dollars.
Trained at the prestigious academy of former MLB player Alex Sánchez, Pérez was a member of the Cuba U-15 team in 2024. He currently works in the 88 to 91 mph range, with a slider rated as elite and remarkable command, qualities that make him an appealing long-term prospect.
Jaider Suárez, the great bonus for the class in Kansas City
The Kansas City Royals made one of the strongest bets by signing shortstop Jaider Suárez for 1.7 million dollars.
Regarded as one of the elite prospects of his class, Suárez combines a strong arm, contact skills, power, and great athleticism. He was part of the Cuba U-15 team in 2022 and will be represented by the renowned agency Wasserman.
Jack Valbrune joins the Astros
The Houston Astros officially announced the signing of outfielder Jack Valbrune, who hails from Santiago de Cuba, for a bonus of $375,000.
Valbrune developed at the Javier Rodríguez Academy and is recognized for his skills as a hitter. At the time of the signing, he was accompanied by scout Charlie González and the Astros' manager, Joe Espada, highlighting the organization's interest in his potential.
Joniel Hernández fulfills his dream with the Padres
The shortstop Joniel Hernández also signed with the San Diego Padres, receiving a bonus of 1.4 million dollars.
Hernández is a versatile talent who combines speed, power, and contact, with the ability to play both shortstop and center field. He left Cuba at just 13 years old and is now fulfilling his dream of reaching professional baseball.
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