The Cleveland Indians may be in “win-now” mode, but Tribe fans might want to keep a name in mind for the future: George Valera.
The 16-year-old left-handed hitting outfielder is one of the Dominican Republic’s highly touted prospects and according to Indians Prospective, the Indians are the favorites to sign Valera on July 2.
Source: #Indians favorites to sign 6'1 190lbs 16yr old OF George Valera (Dominican Republic) Highly touted prospecthttps://t.co/klWTq0OSSS pic.twitter.com/sxdkFqticT
— Indians Prospective (@indiansPro) April 21, 2017
Valera would be a July 2nd signing. Baseball America's @BenBadler likes his swing. Big money signing also. Heard Cano swing comps https://t.co/dW9neCGMkb
— Indians Prospective (@indiansPro) April 21, 2017
Cleveland has not been known for spending big on international prospects in years passed, but perhaps the 2016 trip to the World Series and a more aggressive approach by ownership and the front office will also carry over into decisions to sign top-tier international players.
It wasn’t long ago, guys like Francisco Lindor and Jose Ramirez were teenage prospects (coming out of Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, respectively), but a few short years later, they became household names and led the Tribe to an American League pennant.
One of the many positive attributes of the Indians’ roster construction is that the core (including Ramirez and Lindor) are set to remain in Cleveland for years to come.
Perhaps one day Valera will be on the field alongside those two.
Only time will tell what kind of player he will become, but remember the name going forward and don’t be surprised if he ends up signing a contract with the Tribe in July.
Follow Valera on Instagram @Road2theShow_
Watch some footage of Valera showcasing his talent below:
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