Los Angeles Angels 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 Angels have one seven-figure signing this year, then spread their bonus pool money around to give a wide group of players six-figure deals. They’re signing catcher Gabriel Davalillo for $2 million, making him the latest member of his large baseball family to become a pro. He’s 5-foot-11, 215 pounds with the strength and bat speed to hammer fastballs over the fence and develop into a potential 25-home run hitter. It could end up a power-over-hit game, with scouts split on his pure hitting ability, but those highest on him thought he combined both contact and impact. Defensively is where Davalillo will have to put in the most work. His high baseball IQ from his upbringing helps and he has an above-average arm, but he will have to work to improve his mobility and clean up his defensive technique as he gets to higher levels.
Dominican shortstop Yilver De Paula ($900,000) is an athletic shortstop who should stay at the position. He’s an above-average runner with plenty of quickness, a strong arm and the ability to make both the rangy and routine plays. At 5-foot-11, 170 pounds, De Paula is a switch-hitter who has a sound offensive approach and good bat control with doubles power. Dominican shortstop Yojancel Cabrera, signing for $400,000, is 6-foot-2, 185 pounds. He’s an offensive-oriented infielder who stands out for his chance to hit with power from the left side of the plate. He has an above-average arm and could end up at second or third base. Another Dominican shortstop getting $400,000, Jose Santana, is a skinny 6-foot-1, 170 pounds with the quickness, actions and arm strength to handle shortstop. He will need to get stronger but he has solid bat-to-ball skills with a line-drive approach from the right side. Anthony Santa Cruz from Cuba is a lefthanded-hitting corner outfielder already flashing impressive power for his age with room to grow into a lot more once he fills out his 6-foot-3, 180-pound build.
On the mound, Venezuelan lefthander Freddy Hernandez is 6-foot-1, 190 pounds with a starter look and feel to mix there pitches, working off a fastball up to 91 mph with a curveball and changeup as well. Venezuelan righthander Wilner Berroteran has an athletic, projectable frame (6-foot-3, 190 pounds) to project more growth from a fastball that’s up to 92 mph and has feel for a slider that’s ahead of his changeup.
