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The Minnesota Twins are one of several Major League teams interested in signing one of the top prospects coming out of Cuba.
According to MLB.com, the Twins are watching the highly touted Cuban pitching prospect Yadier Alvarez. The 18-year-old righty pitched in front of 70 local scouts in the Dominican Republic earlier this month.
The Dodgers, D-backs, Rockies, Nationals, Blue Jays, Padres, A’s, Cardinals and Brewers are also interested.
The report notes that international scouts believe Alvarez has the potential to be at least a No. 2 pitcher on a team. His stuff is reported to be fantastic with a fast ball that reaches into the upper 90-mph range, a mid-80s slider and a decent changeup.
Yes. Intriguing arm, touched 97 mph. Very wild. Writing more on him soon. RT @tonynelson19 Did you get a chance to see Yadier Alvarez?
— Ben Badler (@BenBadler) February 16, 2015
According to MLB.com, one National League official said Alvarez was the best 18-year-old pitcher he had ever seen. Here is a scouting video of Alvarez.
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According to 1500 ESPN, the Twins sent Vice President of Player Personnel Mike Radcliff and scouts to the Dominican Republic to watch Alvarez pitch.
Since he is younger than 23 and has not played internationally, Alvarez is subject to international signing guidelines.
FanGraphs says it’s far too early to know what to expect from Alvarez, but his talent is comparable to LHP Brady Aiken and some of the other top 18-year-old arms in the world.
