Inside the Astros

Report: Houston Astros Sign Two Top-50 International Prospects

The Houston Astros have kicked off international signing day by signing two top-50 prospects.
Kade Kistner|
Report: Houston Astros Sign Two Top-50 International Prospects
Report: Houston Astros Sign Two Top-50 International Prospects

In this story:

Houston Astros

It's international signing day! January 15 kicks off the period in which prospects from around the globe can sign with MLB teams and kickoff their path to glory in hopes of making it to the Major Leagues. 

The Houston Astros have found plenty of success in identifying, developing, and utilizing international talent. They hope to continue the trend this year as they have reportedly signed two of the top-50 international prospects in this year's crop.

According to ESPN's Jesse Sanchez, the Astros have inked shortstop Camilo Diaz and outfielder Emil Valencia, ranked #17 and #21 on the MLB's top international prospect list. 

Diaz will sign for a reported $2.25 million while Valencia has agreed to sign for $1.1 million. 

Houston is helping bolster its farm system with elite talent. Diaz projects more of a third baseman due to his range, but his bat is good enough to project him well at either short or third. All of his tools grade out at 50, except for his hitting which graded at 55. 

Valencia is known for his hitting which should be the tool that gets him through the system.

More From SI's Inside The Astros:

  1. Could Mike Trout Request a Trade to the Houston Astros?
  2. Mariners Fans Inexplicably Outraged Following Houston Astros' Social Media Post About Sweep
  3. Report: Former Astros Pitcher Fiers' Contract Terminated By CPBL Club
  4. Six Houston Astros Declared Free Agents
  5. Watch: Yordan Álvarez's Home Run Wins Astros World Series
  6. Lucas Giolito Claims All Teams Were Cheating in 2017
  7. Dusty Baker Makes His Thoughts Known on Bonds and Judge Records
  8. Is it Time to Move on From the Houston Astros Cheating Scandal?
  9. Is There Any Hope for an Aging Yuli Gurriel?
  10. Astros' Álvarez Stopped Striking Out and Became the Best Hitter in Baseball

Make sure to follow Inside the Astros on Twitter @InsideAstrosSI!

Published
Kade Kistner
KADE KISTNER

Kade Kistner is the publisher and beat writer for Sports Illustrated's Inside the Phillies. An alumnus of Tulane University, Kade graduated in 2017 with a degree in Latin American Studies and a minor in Spanish. Upon graduation, Kade commissioned into the United States Navy and attended Naval Flight School in Pensacola, Fl. He served as a Naval Aviator and was stationed in Jacksonville, Fl. During his time in school and the Navy, Kade began covering the MLB and NFL with USA Today, SB Nation, and Sports Illustrated. Kade covered the New Orleans Saints, Texas Rangers, and numerous other teams within the Sports Illustrated network before launching Inside the Phillies, Inside the Astros, and Inside the Cubs. You can follow him on Twitter at @KadeKistner, or if you have any questions or comments he can be reached via email at kwkistner@gmail.com.

Home/News