Chicago White Sox 2025 International Class Scouting Report

Marco Paddy had been in charge of international scouting for the White Sox since the organization hired him after the 2011 season, but the team made a change in September, bringing in David Keller from the Mets to run their international operations. While the White Sox will sign players, the change means the White Sox appear to have more bonus pool space remaining than most clubs, giving them the flexibility to either add players to the class later in the process or maneuver a trade for their pool space, with already one late addition to their group.

The biggest signing in the class is Cuban third baseman Alejandro Cruz. He’s 18, so he would have been eligible to sign in a previous year based on his age. Cruz played for Cuba in multiple U-15 international tournaments and has grown to 6-foot-3, 185 pounds. Scouts highest on Cruz praised his ability to hit from the right side of the plate, though others had more concerns about how his bat would translate against better competition. He doesn’t have prototype third base power at present, but there’s room to fill out and grow into average power. He has an above-average arm and should be able to handle third base. 

The White Sox are also signing Venezuelan outfielder Orlando Patiño for $570,000. Patiño was originally slated to sign with the Dodgers for $400,000, but with the uncertainty surrounding Sasaki, Patiño is now set to join the White Sox. He has a linebacker build at 6-foot-2, 203 pounds with big strength and power in his righthanded swing. He’s a corner outfielder with a plus arm that would play in right field. Yordani Soto is a switch-hitting shortstop from the Dominican Republic with good bat speed and power potential from a lean 6-foot-1 frame and a strong arm. Cuban righthander Yobal Rodriguez has plenty of space left to add good weight to his 6-foot-2, 170 pound build and add to a fastball that touches 93 mph. Rodriguez has good control and throws a changeup that’s advanced for his age.