The Orioles today announced that they opened the 2024-25 International Signing Period with 22 contract agreements. Highlighting the Orioles’ 2024-25 international signing class are: shortstop JOSÉ LUIS PEÑA, outfielder JOHANSE GÓMEZ, shortstop MEYKEL BARO, shortstop RONALD TERRERO, catcher YEISON ACOSTA, outfielder LISANDRO SANCHEZ, left-handed pitcher KELVIN ZAPATA, and catcher JOSE FLORES. Of the 22 total agreements, 11 are from the Dominican Republic, six are from Venezuela, four are from Cuba, and one is from St. Thomas. The signing class includes eight pitchers, five infielders, five catchers, and four outfielders.
"I am very ecstatic to welcome these remarkable individuals and their families to Birdland,” said KOBY PEREZ, Orioles Vice President, International Scouting and Operations. “We believe that we were able to introduce a new wave of exciting, young players this signing period. These efforts continue to be made possible only through the hard work and commitment of our staff, as well as the continued support of our international operations from Mike Elias and the partnership group.”
Peña, 16, was born in Bani, Dominican Republic. He is ranked as the No. 42 international prospect by Baseball America and No. 47 by MLB Pipeline. He has the chance to be a solid, everyday type of player with a plus hit and power combo, who projects to stay at shortstop long term. Peña possesses a large frame and athletic build, showing great body projection in the future. He has plus-plus bat speed and a short swing that stays through the zone, resulting in baseballs jumping off the bat. He has the hands and feet of a good defender with a plus arm.
Gómez, 17, an outfielder from St. Thomas, is an excellent athlete with a lot of tools. He has the ability to impact the game with his power and speed, projecting as a power hitter and a plus runner. Offensively, he drives the ball to all fields, generates loft, and shows raw power. He profiles as a corner outfielder with great range and a plus arm.
Baro, 16, a native of Havana, Cuba, is an athletic shortstop with speed and power. An excellent athlete, he has the type of speed that makes the defense rush. Baro carries plus bat speed and makes a lot of hard contact, with strength and leverage that can lead to plus power in the future. An alert defender with a quick first step, he displays loose defensive actions and has good lateral mobility. He projects as a five-tool player.
Terrero, 17, is a shortstop out of Cuba whose advanced approach at the plate for his age stands out. He has a quick bat with an inside out swing, displays strong bat-to-ball skills, and rarely swings and misses. His skill set has the potential for gap power.
Acosta, 17, is a switch-hitting catcher out of Gramma, Cuba who projects to be a plus defender behind the plate. He looks comfortable defensively, sits low with good catching skills, and throws the ball well. Offensively, he has the same swing from both sides of the plate, going direct to the ball, and showing a good approach.
Sanchez, 17, is from Azúa, Dominican Republic, and projects to be a five-tool player, with his speed and power tools already being plus. He has a quick bat that the baseball jumps off. Defensively, he can play anywhere in the outfield and has a strong arm with good carry through the bag.
Zapata, 16, is a left-handed pitcher from Monte Plata, Dominican Republic. At a young age, he already has all the tools to be a starter, including an athletic build, loose arm action, and a good delivery. His fastball can reach 94 mph and tails with sink action. His changeup is his second-best pitch, and his consistent arm action allows him to keep hitters off balance. Zapata also showed potential with his slider. He is a competitor on the mound.
Flores, 17, a catcher from Guatire, Venezuela, has an athletic build and durable body. He projects to hit for average with good defensive skills. He has a sure hand, receives easily, and looks comfortable behind the plate. Flores has a quick transfer and an accurate arm that will be a plus. Offensively, he swings through the ball with decent bat speed and has a line drive type of power. He shows a good approach at the plate and good plate coverage.