The Kansas City Royals reportedly made significant signings during Major League Baseball’s international signing period. Among the signed players is Cuban shortstop Yandel Ricardo, a 17-year-old considered one of the top international prospects. Known for his right-handed power and arm strength, Ricardo is ranked No. 16 among international prospects. The Royals are also said to have signed Cuban third baseman Jose Cerice and are expected to ink deals with international prospects Darison Garcia, Anderson Garcia, and Juan Rivera, all from the Dominican Republic.
Additionally, deals with Jhonayker Ugarte, Anthony Longo, and Robinson Chacon from Venezuela are reportedly in the works. The Royals have a signing bonus pool of $7,114,800. According to MLB rules, international prospects must be 16 years old before signing with a team and must turn 17 years old before Sept. 1 of the following year.
The Royals strengthened their scouting department this offseason by hiring Johnny DiPuglia as a special assistant of international scouting and Fred Guerrero as a coordinator of player evaluation. DiPuglia, with previous experience in the Washington Nationals’ international scouting department, is known for signing MLB players like Juan Soto, Xander Bogaerts, and Victor Robles. Guerrero also brings valuable scouting experience to the Royals.
