Cubs Active in ’21 International Free Agency Period
THIS JUST IN: Cubs, Cristian Hernandez Agree to Deal
While the free agency period of this offseason has been quiet on the Northside of Chicago in terms of adding to the 2021 team, it appears as though Jed Hoyer may have finally gotten his first win for the future of where the Cubs may be headed. Via Twitter, Jesse Sanchez of MLB.com reported that the Cubs have agreed to a $3M deal with SS prospect, Cristian Hernandez. Hernandez is ranked #6 on MLB’s top 30 International Prospects List.
Source: #Cubs agree to $3 million deal with shortstop Cristian Hernandez, #6 on @MLBPipeline’s Top 30 Int’l Prospects list. https://t.co/mICaTNBDWa
— Jesse Sanchez (@JesseSanchezMLB) January 15, 2021
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Rounding out additional signings in the top 10:
#1: (OF) Yoelqui Cespedes- Chicago White Sox
#2: (LHP) Oscar Colas- (No Contract at Time of Post)
#3: (SS) Wilman Diaz- Los Angeles Dodgers
#4: (SS) Carlos Colmenarez- Tampa Bay Rays
#5: (SS) Admando Cruz- Washington Nationals
#6: (SS) Cristian Hernandez- Chicago Cubs
#7: (OF) Pedro Leon- Houston Astros
#8: (C) Jesus Galiz- Los Angeles Dodgers
#9: (C) Rickardo Perez- Philadelphia Phillies
#10: (SS) Yiddi Cappe- Miami Marlins
According to Al Yellon of Bleed Cubbie Blue, the $3M contract is the largest the Cubs have ever given to a 17-year old from the Dominican Republic. With just over $2M remaining, I do not expect the Cubs to be active on #2 International pitching prospect, Oscar Colas this signing period. As exciting as a signing as Hernandez is for the Cubs, it is likely fans will have to wait several years until Hernandez sees Wrigley Field given his age and that he will just be beginning the process of navigating the Cubs farm system. Hernandez has a better chance of being involved in the core of players for the next Chicago Cubs championship window.