Vice President of International Scouting
Ismael Cruz enters his ninth season as the Dodgers’ Vice President of International Scouting.
Prior to his time with Los Angeles, Cruz was the Blue Jays’ special assistant of Latin American operations for four years following a successful stint as the Mets’ International Scouting Director from 2006-11. During his time with the Mets and Blue Jays, Cruz was instrumental in helping to sign Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Franklin Barreto, Richard Ureña, Miguel Castro, Jose Fernández, Jeurys Familia, Wilmer Flores and Juan Lagares. He began his front office career in 2002 as the Expos’ Director of International Scouting and Development, where he served until 2005.
Cruz, an infielder, was selected by the Phillies in the 20th round of the 1989 draft out of Eckerd College (FL) and played professionally for two seasons before returning to school to complete his bachelor’s degree in International Business. He then scouted in Colombia for the Pirates and Reds before becoming a sports agent in 1998. In 2001, he managed the Dominican Summer League Padres to a 39-29 record.
A native of Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic, Cruz is married to his wife, Peggy, and they have three sons, Brian, Jonathan and Anthony. His father, Pablo Cruz, was a longtime scout for the Pirates and continues to work in baseball for the Blue Jays in Dominican player development, while his sons Brian and Jonathan work in baseball operations for the Angels and Braves, respectively.