Cubs to land SS Hernandez, 3B Sanchez

The Cubs’ success on the international market is well documented, and this year's class is highlighted by two talented infielders.

According to industry sources, the club has agreed to a $1.3 million deal with shortstop Alexis Hernandez, who ranks No. 18 on MLB.com’s Top 50 International Prospects list, and a $1.5 million deal with third baseman Adan Sanchez, who ranks No. 43. The club is also expected to sign shortstop Jefferson Rojas for $1 million.

The Cubs, who have a signing pool of $5,179,700, have not confirmed the deals.

The athletic Hernandez has a chance to be a five-tool player and shows lots of potential. He is going to play in the middle of the field, but whether that’s at shortstop or in center is still to be determined because he can play both.

What’s more, the 17-year-old has the ability to be a plus runner and has a plus arm. He shows emerging raw power and a high baseball IQ. He has developed into an exciting player with solid makeup.

One of the most intriguing prospects on the market, Sanchez has a powerful bat and versatility on defense. He wowed scouts with his 6-foot, 190-pound frame, projectable body and strength.

The offense-first prospect has seen action at pitcher and third base, but his potential behind the plate also makes him appealing. As a catcher, he shows athleticism and emerging defensive skills with the potential for a plus arm.

Major League Baseball and the MLB Players Association finalized a deal in March 2020 that addressed the international signing period during the pandemic. The 2022 international signing period runs through Dec. 15, the second year in a row the period -- which previously began July 2 -- started in January.

The current rules also state that teams are not allowed to trade any of their international pool money. Signing bonuses of $10,000 or less do not count toward a club's bonus pool, and foreign professional players who are at least 25 years old and have played in a foreign league for at least six seasons are also exempt.

Here are the prospects who have agreed to deals with the Cubs in the 2022 international signing period:

Adan Sanchez, C, Panama -- $1,500,000
Alexis Hernandez, SS, Dominican Republic -- $1,300,000
Jefferson Rojas, SS, Dominican Republic -- $1,000,000
Josefrailin Alcantara, OF, Dominican Republic -- $500,000
Freilyn Silverio, RHS, Dominican Republic -- $100,000
Darlyn De Leon, IF, Dominican Republic -- $50,000
Sandy Sanchez, SS, Dominican Republic -- $30,000
Albert Belliard, OF, Dominican Republic -- $10,000
Moises Febrillet, SS, Dominican Republic -- $10,000
Josias Ramirez, OF, Dominican Republic -- $10,000
Yidel Diaz, C, Dominican Republic -- $10,000
Daniel Benschop, OF, Aruba -- $10,000
Abel De Leon, C, Panama -- $10,000