The White Sox announced the signings of seven international prospects from the Dominican Republic Monday, agreeing to terms with right-handers Luis Reyes ($700,000) and Denny Lima ($10,000), outfielders Abraham Núñez ($700,000) and Albert Alberto ($50,000) and infielders D’Angelo Tejada ($350,000), Rafael Álvarez ($350,000) and Juan Uribe Jr. ($200,000).
The 6-2 Reyes, 17, is the Sox’ top prospect in the group. He is rated as the No. 4 international pitching prospect and No. 41 overall by MLB Pipeline.
“For a young kid ... he dominates throwing pitches,” said Marco Paddy, Sox assistant to the general manager and international scouting chief. “He’s got a clean arm, good mechanics and good size. Power fastball, a slider and a changeup. We’re pleased we were able to sign this guy today.”
Uribe Jr., 16, has the most well known name. His father, Juan Uribe, played shortstop on the 2005 World Series champion, recording the last two outs in Game 4 at Houston. Uribe played for the Sox from 2004-08 during A 16-year-career that included stops with the Rockies (2001-03), Giants (2009-10), Dodgers (2011-15), Braves (2015), Mets (2015) and Indians (2016).
“He’s got a very special bat,” Paddy said.
“The biggest thing with Juan Uribe Jr. is he’s got a very short swing. There’s no question about his hitting ability. He inherited that from his dad. He handles the bat extremely well. Right now he’s playing shortstop and second base. Where he ends up in the future all depends on how many adjustments he can make in the middle of the infield.”
Uribe Jr., 5-10, 170-pounds, was born in Chicago. Juan Uribe operates a baseball training facility in Nizao, Dominican Republic.
The Sox will sign additional international prospects, Paddy said, most likely from Venezuela.
