How MLB Teams Use International Tournaments To Evaluate Prospects

The international scouting community this week is packing into Cartagena, Colombia, where the COPABE 15U Pan American Championships run from Aug. 11-20. With prospects from the United States, Venezuela, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Panama and other countries in the event, several trainers have also brought other players into Colombia this week to piggyback off the tournament with showcases for 2018 and 2019 prospects.

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These international tournaments have a ton of value for scouts and for players. In the video, I talk about why so many scouts made the trip to Colombia this week, the importance of international tournaments, what happens at these events, the value on and off the field for players and what a current big leaguer told me about his experiences playing in these games. Plus, we give you a look at some of the 2018 and 2019 prospects from the Dominican Republic and Venezuela who will be playing in the tournament this week.