International Prospect Signing Rumors

[CJ9]

Bumping this because Pipeline just updated their top 30 international prospects for the January signing period. We've been linked to Diego Benitez many other places as well, but this is the only place without a paywall: https://www.mlb.com/prospects/international/.

Pipeline has him as the #10 international prospect.

Scouting grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 55 | Run: 50 | Arm: 55 | Field: 50 | Overall: 55

Benitez is a toolsy shortstop that has drawn some comparisons to a young Manny Machado.

He’s big -- 6-foot-1 and 190 pounds -- and strong with signs of power now that project to increase as he develops. He can already drive the ball out of the ballpark and hits line drives to all fields with authority. He shows good bat speed and a solid approach at the plate. He should benefit from the daily instruction in a team’s academy once he signs, but there is already a lot to working in his favor.

He’ll have to work on plate discipline and pitch recognition as he advances through the Minor Leagues, but that’s common for all young prospects -- domestic or international. On defense, he shows good footwork, soft hands and a strong arm that has a chance to be plus-plus potential.

There’s also a chance he will be a plus runner.

He trains with Venezuela’s Emiro Barboza, a member of MLB’s Trainer Partnership Program. The Braves are the favorite to sign him.