Detroit Tigers 2025 International Class Scouting Report
With the MLB international signing period opening today, teams can officially begin to sign players in their 2025 class.
For Baseball America subscribers, we have scouting reports and player notes on the classes for all 30 teams, providing information on the big names to know in each class, as well as deeper cut players to watch.
The headline of the Tigers class this year is Cris Rodriguez, who is signing for $3.2 million and offers exciting size, athleticism and tools. He’s 6-foot-4, 200 pounds, a tall, strong frame with more room to fill out. He already has the bat speed and strength to crush balls with some of the best raw power in the class. There are times when his swing can get big and he can get out of control at the plate against soft stuff, so making good swing decisions and making enough contact will be key for Rodriguez, who has the upside to be a 30-plus home run threat if everything comes together. Rodriguez is a plus runner, giving him a chance to be a power-hitting center fielder, though at his size, there’s a possibility he could end up in a corner.
Jose Ramirez from Venezuela has spent time both at catcher and center field. It’s an uncommon position pairing, but Ramirez has the tools that could fit at either spot. He’s an excellent athlete with an above-average arm and is an above-average runner, though his speed would likely back up if he does catch. He’s a smart, headsy player who has hit well in games, putting together quality at-bats with sound swing mechanics from the right side of the plate, making contact at a high clip with gap power.
While Ramirez could play multiple positions, Carlos Benavides is a true catcher from Venezuela. He has the tools to develop into an above-average defender with advanced mechanics behind the plate, using nimble footwork and a quick exchange to get to his strong arm. He’s a righthanded hitter with a slashing approach and gap power.
