Houston Astros Reportedly Signing Cuban Pitcher Alex Santiago Gonzalez

Alex Santiago Gonzalez, the 18-year-old son of veteran Cuban pitcher Norberto Gonzalez, is set to join the Houston Astros before the end of the current international signing period.

Apr 9, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; A general view of Houston Astros second baseman Jose Altuve's hat on the field during batting practice prior to a game against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. | Denny Medley-Imagn Images

The Houston Astros are set to sign right-handed pitcher Alex Santiago Gonzalez, Francys Romero reported Thursday afternoon.

Gonzalez's deal is pending a physical. The contract is expected to be completed in the coming days, sources told Romero.

The 18-year-old pitcher is from Cuba and was trained at Yuan Pino Academy. Romero reported back on Oct. 9 that Gonzalez had been declared a free agent by the commissioner's office.

Gonzalez measures in at 6-foot-4 and 200 pounds. His fastball sits between 93 and 95 miles per hour.

The righty is the son of Norberto Gonzalez, a left-handed pitcher who played for Elefantes de Cienfuegos in the Cuban National Series from 1997 to 2017. Norberto Gonzalez went 148-136 with a 4.03 ERA, 1.476 WHIP and 1,466 strikeouts in his professional career.

Gonzalez's father also won a Gold Medal with Team Cuba at the 2004 Athens Olympics, in addition to appearing in the 2006, 2009 and 2013 World Baseball Classics.

As noted by Romero, the Astros will have signed three different Cuban players since the current international free agency signing period opened back on Jan. 15. The others were outfielders Cesar Yanquiel Hernandez and Luis Rives.

Yordan Álvarez is the biggest Cuban star currently suiting up for the Astros. Yuli Gurriel, Aledmys Díaz and José Abreu have all played in Houston in recent years as well.

Cuban RHP Alex Santiago Gonzalez (18) will sign with the Houston Astros in the coming days, per sources.

Deal is pending a physical. Trained by Yuan Pino Academy.

A 6'4", 200 lbs pitcher with a consistent 95 MPH fastball. Alex is the son of Norberto Gonzalez, a former member… pic.twitter.com/Bwj61fgS7D

— Francys Romero (@francysromeroFR) October 24, 2024

Full playoff schedule in real time

• MLB POSTSEASON SCHEDULE: The 2024 playoffs are finally coming to a head, with the AL and NL pennant-winners now set in stone. Here is the latest on the schedule, with dates, game times, TV information and pitching matchups. CLICK HERE

Follow Fastball On SI on social media

Continue to follow our Fastball On SI coverage on social media by liking us on Facebook and by following us on Twitter @FastballFN.

You can also follow Sam Connon on Twitter @SamConnon.