Padres Reach Agreements with Four International Prospects Amid Scouting Push

The San Diego Padres have reportedly reached agreements with four international prospects, including a promising Venezuelan pitcher, as the organization continues adding young talent to its farm system.

According to Francys Romero of Beisbol FR, the agreements came as the Padres scouted players at the WBSC U-18 World Cup Qualifier in the Dominican Republic.

Among the additions is 18-year-old Venezuelan right-hander Moisés Alcalde, who has pitched for his country's national team.

Alcalde features a fastball that reaches 91–93 mph and a slider that projects as a potentially above-average pitch. He is viewed as a prospect who could eventually develop into a starting pitcher.

The other three players are 17-year-old Panamanian left-hander Yeremy De León, 17-year-old Venezuelan left-hander Raymer Moreno and 17-year-old Cuban infielder Omar Guerra.

According to Padres Mission, the reported signing bonuses are $20,000 for Alcalde, $30,000 for De León, $50,000 for Moreno and $25,000 for Guerra.

Moreno currently throws his fastball between 86 and 90 mph, with scouts projecting additional velocity as he develops. Guerra is described as a contact-oriented hitter capable of playing multiple infield positions.

San Diego's international activity extends beyond those four agreements.

Padres Mission also reported that the organization signed 20-year-old Venezuelan outfielder Lenyert Rios and 17-year-old right-hander Alexis Medina, with both additions appearing in minor league transaction records.

The moves follow the Padres' recent signing of Japanese pitching prospect Tatsuya Nogami, another young arm joining the organization.

The Padres have continued to develop prospects throughout their minor league system, even as president of baseball operations A.J. Preller has aggressively pursued major league talent through trades and other acquisitions.

The latest international scouting activity also attracted attention from the organization's new ownership group.

Romero reported that Padres owners José E. Feliciano and Kwanza Jones attended the tournament in Santo Domingo, spending time with Preller and vice president of amateur and international scouting Chris Kemp.

Their attendance provided an early indication of the ownership group's involvement in the organization's international scouting efforts.

According to Padres Mission, San Diego has signed more than 50 international players during the current signing period, the most of any major league organization.

With the international signing period scheduled to conclude Dec. 15, San Diego is continuing to add prospects to a farm system that could provide future major league contributors.