The international signing period started yesterday, and the Chicago Cubs kicked it off with a relatively big splash. The Cubs signed 16-year-old shortstop Enrique Acosta for a hefty $1.1 million. For comparison’s sake, late first rounders in the Draft typically see bonuses in that range. Acosta is already 6’1, 180, and is expected to eventually move off of shortstop as he gets bigger. He was considered one of the top bats in the Latin American class this year.
Baseball America (subscription only) says he’s got a quick bat and uses all fields. He’s expected to keep developing power as he gets bigger and stronger. He’ll probably work in the Dominican Summer League for a year or two before the Cubs figure out where to get him started Stateside.
The Cubs will probably make a number of additional signings, but Acosta might be the prize piece.