The Padres are reportedly finalizing agreements with two top international prospects from the Dominican Republic: left-handed pitcher Carlos Alvarez and shortstop Jhoan De La Cruz, according to Will Sammon of The Athletic and Francys Romero of BeisbolFR.com. Alvarez is expected to receive a signing bonus of approximately $1 million, per Romero, while De La Cruz’s bonus remains undisclosed. However, Romero previously suggested an agreement in the $2 million range, and Baseball America’s Ben Badler estimated his bonus between $1 million and $1.5 million.
Romero also noted that multiple sources indicate the Padres are likely out of contention for Japanese star pitcher Roki Sasaki. Sammon adds that Alvarez had initially committed to the Padres but began exploring other opportunities when the team emerged as a finalist for Sasaki. With Alvarez now returning to San Diego’s plans, it supports the notion that Sasaki is no longer a realistic target for the Padres.
The Padres were among the three finalists for Sasaki, alongside the Dodgers and Blue Jays. Sasaki has yet to make a final decision, but the Dodgers were reportedly seeking trades to expand their MLB-low $5.146 million international bonus pool. The Blue Jays and Padres each have slightly larger pools at $6.262 million, though San Diego was also exploring trades to increase their available bonus funds. However, Sasaki’s agent, Joel Wolfe, previously stated that his client’s decision would not be based solely on the largest bonus offer. If maximizing earnings were the priority, Sasaki could have waited two more years to sign as a professional free agent, similar to Yoshinobu Yamamoto, who recently secured a record $325 million deal with the Dodgers.
While Padres fans may still hold out slim hope until Sasaki formally signs elsewhere, the latest reports suggest their chances are slim. Meanwhile, the signings of De La Cruz and Alvarez remain notable additions to the lower levels of the Padres’ farm system. According to MLB.com, the pair are ranked as the No. 21 and No. 39 international prospects, respectively.
Badler describes De La Cruz as a well-rounded player with average or better tools across the board, solid gap power, and the physical and defensive attributes to remain at shortstop long-term. Alvarez, who turned 17 in November, is already an impressive 6’5″ with a fastball reaching 93 mph. A former outfielder, his relatively fresh arm and advanced command, along with developing secondary pitches, make him a promising pitching prospect despite being new to the mound.
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