Royals agree to terms with Dominican infield prospect
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The Royals are expected to add a heralded prospect to their system after agreeing to a deal with Yandel Ricardo, MLB.com's No. 16 international prospect, upon Monday's opening of the 2024 signing period, according to industry sources. The club has not yet confirmed the agreement.
Kansas City is one of six teams in Signing Bonus Pool B for 2024, resulting in a $7,114,800 signing allotment.
Ricardo is a strong, physical infielder with a chance to be an impact power bat in the future. He is a natural right-hander but has hit from the left side since he was young. The teen prospect flashes power potential from both sides of the plate and could evolve into an offensive threat as he progresses.
He already shows easy power from the right side and uses his compact swing to drive the ball to all fields with authority. Defensively, Ricardo has soft hands and emerging arm strength. He currently plays shortstop and hopes to stick there. However, he could eventually outgrow the middle infield and move to the hot corner.
Scouts have also raved about his leadership traits and have referred to him as a field general. It's a trait that will benefit the 17-year-old as he develops over the years and begins to receive daily instruction from the Royals. He is mature and has been praised for his work ethic and makeup.
Ricardo trains with Ysbel Medina in the Dominican Republic.
An international player is eligible to sign with a Major League team between Jan. 15 and Dec. 15. He must turn 16 before he signs and be 17 before Sept. 1 the following year.
That means players born between Sept. 1, 2006, and Aug. 31, 2007, will be eligible to sign in the current signing period. Players must be registered with Major League Baseball in advance to be eligible to sign.