International Notes and Rumors: Lazarito, Gurriel Brothers, Ohtani, Big Spenders, More

Feb 17, 2016

International notes from around (the world?) baseball …

Nothing is brewing or breaking on Cuban prospect Lazaro “Lazarito” Armenteros, but that in and of itself is an update. If you recall, he was supposed to make a decision last Wednesday, but it never came to be. Every day that passes, then, increases the likelihood that he will simply wait to sign until the next IFA period opens on July 2 to sign with a team. At just 16 years old, he can afford the wait so long as he stays extra safe between now and July.

Of course, that will then leave him without the courtship of the Yankees, Red Sox, Dodgers and Cubs (among many others), but that doesn’t mean he won’t get the money he wants. And speaking of the money he wants (rumored to be roughly $20 million), Craig Calcaterra questions whether he is actually worth that contract (NBS Sports) from a purely historical (non-baseball value) standpoint.

[adinserter block=”1″]

Jesse Sanchez recaps the Gurriel brother’s story, details, stats and projections in a nice comprehensive piece for MLB.com. Among the newer items, it appears that the duo began their defection process after “mysteriously” disappearing from the Cuban team late last week, and are now working out in an undisclosed location. They did send out a message that they were alright and working towards their dream of playing in MLB.

Yulieski Gurriel and Lourdes Gurriel, Jr. hope to play on the same team together, but that will be logistically difficult. If you recall, Yulieski is already Major League-ready and 31 years old. Moreover, he is not subject to any IFA restrictions and has reportedly (per Sanchez) already established residency in Panama. Lourdes Jr., on the other hand, is just 22 years old and is considered more of a prospect. If he doesn’t wait to sign until October (when he turns 23), he will be subject to the same IFA restrictions as Lazarito. If he can hold out until October, though, all 30 MLB clubs will be eligible to sign Lourdes with penalties or restrictions associated with the deal. Given how early they both are in the process, I suspect that will be the case.

Back in December, we learned that the Cubs were connected/interested in a handful of Cuban prospects. Among those mentioned was 16-year-old pitching prospect Adrian Morejon, who’s been turning heads of late. Back in January, though, we learned that the Cubs – who were one time favorites to land the young lefty – were no longer the most likely destination, due to increased attention from around the league. Now, Ben Badler is reaffirming that fact, by reporting the Padres as favorites to land a pitcher whom Badler says “would easily be the best pitching prospect on the traditional July 2 market” if he were from Venezuela or the Dominican Republic. It’s a bummer for the Cubs, who may have missed out on yet another young, Cuban pitching prospect.

The Giants, who’ve already blown their cap in the current IFA period, are “pretty much tapped out budget-wise,” and don’t figure to sign any more big international free agents. I get the sense that if any more prominent IFA restricted players become available (or decide to sign now), their only realistic options are the Cubs and the Dodgers – which is why a few guys might be waiting until July 2.

There has been increased chatter on Shohei Ohtani lately, but don’t take that as indication of an imminent posting. The Hokkaido Fighters have little reason to post him right now, with the compensation cap limited to just $20 million. So, status quo, on that front. Even still, he and his team have been training in Arizona the past few weeks, which has provided the opportunity for a lot of eyes-on MLB scouting, and the results were extremely positive. According to ESPN’s Eric Longenhagen, he is the best pitching prospect in the world: “We’re talking good size, athleticism, upper-90’s heat, plus curveball projection, and evidence to support marked growth of a changeup and command. He has true top-of-the-rotation ceiling.”

[adinserter block=”2″]

Barry Bloom has more on Ohtani, including the unlikelihood of a posting anytime soon. Unfettered free agency for Japanese players doesn’t commence until they’ve played nine NPB seasons. Ohtani is going into his fourth. Of course, his team could post him any time sooner and receive $20 million, but they could just as easily do that four years down the road, when Ohtani would still be be just 25 years old (could you imagine if he was posted in the crazy big 2018 free agent class?). There is some talk that the Fighters would post Ohtani, if he asked, but that’s far from a guarantee. It might still be some time before he throws in MLB parks, so baseball fans will just have to continue enjoying him dominate in the NPB (on the mound and in the outfield).

Also included in Longenhagen’s notes, is more on the Gurriel brothers, Lazarito’s plan, Morejon to the Padres, the Braves and Padres expected coup in the next IFA period and more.

The St. Louis Cardinals have been suspiciously quiet on the high end of the international market over the past few years, but that might change starting on July 2. In addition to the Braves and Padres, the Cardinals might open the purse and exceed their international bonus pool by quite a bit in 2016. They certainly have the money (having spent very little, relatively speaking, in free agency this year) and everyone has the need, so we might finally see them go big in IFA.

written by

Michael Cerami

Michael Cerami began covering the Chicago Cubs for Bleacher Nation as a part-time contributor in 2015. One year later, he joined Bleacher Nation full-time, covering the Chicago Cubs and Major League Baseball. Today, Michael runs Bleacher Nation, contributing as a writer (Cubs, MLB) and an editor for all sections of the site, including the Chicago Bears, Bulls, and Blackhawks, as well as MLB, NBA, NHL, and NFL. In 2019, Michael was the co-host of NBC Sports Chicago's Cubs Post-Game Show Outside the Ivy. You can find him on Twitter/X @Michael_Cerami

more cubs news

Chicago Cubs

Chicago Cubs Lineup: Pete Crow-Armstrong Gets a Start

CUBS LINEUP — The Cubs won again last night, which means they've already won the season-series against the still-struggling Astros. Justin Verlander will be on the bump for today's finale, but he'll have to go up against the mighty Javier...

Michael Cerami

Apr 25, 2024

Chicago Cubs

The Leadoff Role, Cubs Front Office is Not Particularly Well-Liked? And Other Cubs Bullets

It's a pretty big day for the Chicago Bears, eh? For the second year in a row, they own the No. 1 overall pick in the draft. Only this time, they actually plan to use it (and on a quarterback,...

Michael Cerami

Apr 25, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Chicago Cubs Sign Brazilian-Japanese Pitcher Daniel Missaki Out of Mexican League

That's a geographic mouthful right there, and it underscores what an interesting signing this is. Stray signings throughout the year are not uncommon, particularly as injuries accumulate down on the farm and the Chicago Cubs have the ability to take...

Brett Taylor

Apr 25, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Do the Cubs Have a Scoring-Late Problem?

Once a month since August of 2016, my friends and I get together for "Supper Club." It's like book club, but instead of reading books, we go to a different restaurant in the city. Last night, we hit our 77th...

Michael Cerami

Apr 25, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Enhanced Box Score: Cubs 4, Astros 3 – April 24, 2024

The Cubs did all their scoring in the first, and made it stand up for the win with generally good pitching and generally good defense. Jameson Taillon looked solid again in his second start, locating well, giving up no barrels,...

Brett Taylor

Apr 25, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Dansby Swanson with a First Inning Three-Run Homer

For the second straight night, the Cubs are jumping all over the Astros in the first inning. After a couple hits from Nico Hoerner and Ian Happ to get things going, Michael Busch hit a sac fly, Christopher Morel walked,...

Brett Taylor

Apr 24, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Welcome Back to Iowa, Brennen Davis: Rocket Homer in His First Game Post-Rehab

What a road it's been - continues to be - for Cubs outfield prospect Brennen Davis. The former top prospect was on a rocket ship to Triple-A in 2021, and then mostly lost the last two years to various injuries....

Brett Taylor

Apr 24, 2024

Chicago Cubs

CRAAAAAP: Cody Bellinger to the Injured List (UPDATES)

So much for all those words of optimism and negative X-rays. After colliding with the outfield wall last night, Cody Bellinger fractured his rib (Update: It's actually TWO fractured right ribs) and will hit the injured list today. Chicago Cubs...

Michael Cerami

Apr 24, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Chicago Cubs Lineup: What is it, June 2023?

CUBS LINEUP — The Chicago Cubs took Game 1 against the Houston Astros in convincing fashion last night. So tonight, they'll go for the quick series win against Spencer Arrighetti at Wrigley Field (it'd be a good idea to win...

Michael Cerami

Apr 24, 2024

Chicago Cubs

Bellinger Optimistic Post-Injury, Busch’s Defense, Almonte Stock Rising, Tauchman Slugging, and Other Cubs Bullets

Ed. Note: Since this article was published, a CT scan revealed a rib fracture for Cody Bellinger, who is now on the Injured List. You can find all the details of that news in our most recent article right here....

Michael Cerami

Apr 24, 2024

NFL

Dallas Cowboys 2024 NFL Draft Big Board: Potential First-Round Fits Including Tackle and WR

The Dallas Cowboys enter the 2024 offseason with the familiar feeling of championship aspirations. Dak Prescott is healthy, the skill positions are loaded, but the offensive line, once a strength, is in flux. With the 24th overall pick in the...

Brian Twining

Apr 25, 2024

Betting

2024 MLB Mock Draft: Wake Forest Dominates First Round

With the invigorating spirit of a new baseball season upon us, igniting hope and anticipation within fan communities, it's the perfect time to embark on a unique exploration: a 2024 MLB Mock Draft. Numerous mock drafts meticulously analyze potential player...

Matt Rooney

Apr 25, 2024

How to Watch

76ers vs. Knicks: Start Time, Streaming Live, TV Channel, How to Watch

The Philadelphia 76ers and New York Knicks are playing in the opening round of the NBA Playoffs, with Game 3 up next.The Knicks beat the 76ers 104-101 on Monday when they last met. Jalen Brunson led the Knicks in the...

Data Skrive

Apr 25, 2024

Picks

Donovan Mitchell Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Magic – NBA Playoffs Game 3, Thursday, April 25, 2024

At 7:00 PM ET on Thursday, in Game 3 of the opening round of the NBA playoffs, it'll be the Cleveland Cavaliers against the Orlando Magic, with Donovan Mitchell needing four trifectas to beat his 3-pointer over/under.Donovan Mitchell's Three-Pointer Prop...

Data Skrive

Apr 25, 2024

Picks

Caris LeVert Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Magic – NBA Playoffs Game 3, Thursday, April 25, 2024

On Thursday at 7:00 PM ET, the Cleveland Cavaliers play the Orlando Magic in Game 3 of the opening round of the NBA playoffs, and Caris LeVert's 3-pointer over/under for this matchup requires just one trey.Caris LeVert's Three-Pointer Prop Odds...

Data Skrive

Apr 25, 2024

Picks

Josh Hart Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the 76ers – NBA Playoffs Game 3, Thursday, April 25, 2024

To beat his 3-point prop, Josh Hart needs to make two from downtown on Thursday, when his New York Knicks meet the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 3 of the opening round of the NBA playoffs, tipping off at 7:30 PM...

Data Skrive

Apr 25, 2024

Picks

Jalen Brunson Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the 76ers – NBA Playoffs Game 3, Thursday, April 25, 2024

The New York Knicks face the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday at 7:30 PM ET in Game 3 of the opening round of the NBA playoffs, and if the Knicks' Jalen Brunson drains three 3-pointers, he'll beat his over/under.Jalen Brunson's Three-Pointer...

Data Skrive

Apr 25, 2024

Picks

Donte DiVincenzo Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the 76ers – NBA Playoffs Game 3, Thursday, April 25, 2024

To beat his 3-point over/under, Donte DiVincenzo needs to make four from downtown on Thursday, when his New York Knicks play the Philadelphia 76ers in Game 3 of the opening round of the NBA playoffs, beginning at 7:30 PM ET.Donte...

Data Skrive

Apr 25, 2024

Picks

Joel Embiid Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Knicks – NBA Playoffs Game 3, Thursday, April 25, 2024

To beat his 3-point prop, Joel Embiid needs to make two from beyond the arc on Thursday, when his Philadelphia 76ers meet the New York Knicks in Game 3 of the opening round of the NBA playoffs, starting at 7:30...

Data Skrive

Apr 25, 2024

Picks

Tyrese Maxey Player Props: Three-Pointer Props and Odds vs. the Knicks – NBA Playoffs Game 3, Thursday, April 25, 2024

The Philadelphia 76ers play the New York Knicks at 7:30 PM ET on Thursday, in Game 3 of the opening round of the NBA playoffs, and one of the 3-pointer over/unders available for this matchup requires four trifectas from Tyrese...

Data Skrive

Apr 25, 2024

International Notes and Rumors: Lazarito, Gurriel Brothers, Ohtani, Big Spenders, More

Read More

more cubs news

Latest News

more cubs news

Most Popular

Most Popular

Latest News

Most Popular

Most Popular