Reds sign 13 international free agents, including seven from Venezuela

Reds also announce signings of seven players who avoid arbitration
The Reds and Tigers stand during pregame ceremonies on Opening Day on Friday, July 24, 2020, at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati.

Credit: David Jablonski

Credit: David Jablonski

The Reds and Tigers stand during pregame ceremonies on Opening Day on Friday, July 24, 2020, at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati.
Sports
By
Jan 15, 2021
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The Cincinnati Reds signed 13 international free agents Friday, which marked the start of the international signing period across baseball.

One of the players ranked among the top 30 international prospects. Ariel Almonte, a 17-year-old outfielder from the Dominican Republic, ranked 26th on a list compiled by MLB.com. He received a $1.9 million signing bonus, according to Jesse Sanchez, of MLB.com.

Another player to watch in the group is 17-year-old outfielder Malvin Valdez, of the Dominican Republic. He received the same signing bonus a Almonte, according to Sanchez.

The other players signed were:

• Luis Castro, 18, right-handed pitcher, Venezuela.

• Raynardo Cruz, 19, right-handed pitcher, Dominican Republic.

• Cristian Galindo, 18, left-handed pitcher, Venezuela.

• Alejandro Rodriguez, 17, right-handed pitcher, Venezuela.

• Eddy Isturiz, 16, catcher, Venezuela.

• Diego Omana, 18, catcher, Venezuela.

• Leonardo Balcazar, 17, shortstop, Venezuela.

• Carlos Jorge, 17, shortstop, Dominican Republic.

• Luis Reyes, 17, third baseman, Venezuela.

• Jose Serrano, 17, shortstop, Venezuela.

• Brayan Rijo, 17, outfielder, Dominican Republic.

The Reds also announced Friday they had avoided arbitration and signed the following players: right-handed pitchers Luis Castillo, Tyler Mahle, Michael Lorenzen and Noé Ramirez; left-handed pitcher Amir Garrett; and out fielder Jesse Winker.

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David Jablonski covers the Dayton Flyers and other sports for the Dayton Daily News, Springfield News-Sun and Journal News.