REPORT: Padres finalize signings of two top lefty and shortstop international prospects out of the Dominican Republic

The San Diego Padres are finalizing agreements with two top international prospects from the Dominican Republic, left-handed pitcher Carlos Alvarez and shortstop Jhoan De La Cruz, as reported by Will Sammon of The Athletic and Francys Romero of BeisbolFR.com. Alvarez is expected to sign for a bonus of approximately $1 million, while De La Cruz’s bonus is projected to be in the $2 million range, according to Romero. Notably, Baseball America’s Ben Badler had previously estimated De La Cruz’s value between $1 million and $1.5 million.

While these signings bolster the Padres’ international prospect pipeline, they also signify a shift in the team’s international strategy, particularly regarding their pursuit of star Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki. Multiple sources, including Romero, suggest the Padres now believe they are out of contention for Sasaki, who is reportedly considering offers from the Dodgers and Blue Jays alongside San Diego. Sasaki, one of the most sought-after talents in international baseball, has not yet made a final decision. However, the Padres’ decision to finalize deals with Alvarez and De La Cruz supports speculation that they are no longer actively pursuing Sasaki.

About the Prospects:

Jhoan De La Cruz

De La Cruz, ranked No. 21 in this year’s international class by MLB.com, is a well-rounded shortstop with no singular standout tool but average to above-average skills across the board. At 5’11” and 170 pounds, he has the physical traits to remain at shortstop long-term. His gap power and defensive prowess make him a valuable addition to the Padres’ farm system.

Carlos Alvarez

Alvarez, ranked No. 39 by MLB.com, is a 17-year-old lefty who has already reached 93 mph with his fastball. At 6’5”, his size and athleticism are notable, particularly as a converted outfielder. Alvarez is praised for his fresh arm, better-than-average command, and promising secondary pitches, making him a high-upside developmental prospect.

Padres’ Broader Implications

The Padres’ allocation of their international bonus pool to De La Cruz and Alvarez highlights a pivot away from their pursuit of Sasaki, though it does not entirely close the door on the possibility until Sasaki officially signs elsewhere. Sasaki’s decision is unlikely to hinge solely on bonus amounts, as he could have maximized earnings by waiting until age 25 to bypass MLB’s international free agency restrictions. Instead, his choice may reflect other priorities, including team fit and development opportunities.

Despite the disappointing outlook on Sasaki, the Padres continue to make strategic investments in young talent, strengthening their farm system for the future. Both De La Cruz and Alvarez represent significant additions to San Diego’s developmental ranks, adding depth and potential to an already promising organization.