Cardinals Announce 12 International Signings For 2025 Period
CARDINALS ANNOUNCE 12 INTERNATIONAL SIGNINGS FOR 2025 PERIOD
Ten Position Players & Two Pitchers Representing Five Different Countries Among Today’s Signees

ST. LOUIS, Mo., January 15, 2025 – The St. Louis Cardinals announced today the signing of 12 free-agent players representing the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Panama, Mexico and Nicaragua on the first day of Major League Baseball’s international signing period for 2025. Five infielders, four outfielders, two pitchers, and one catcher were among the signees who will all be assigned to the Dominican Summer League.
All of the players are being signed for the 2025 minor league season and are subject to MLB approval. A complete listing of the Cardinals international player signings is below:
Name | Pos. | B/T | HT | WT | DOB | Age | Hometown |
Michael Cordero | 3B | R/R | 5’11” | 185 | 8/24/2008 | 16 | Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic |
Sebastian Dos Santos | SS | S/R | 6’0″ | 173 | 1/29/2008 | 16 | Barquisimeto, Venezuela |
Juan Carlos Garcia | RHP | R/R | 6’0″ | 197 | 5/30/2008 | 16 | Teran, Nuevo Leon, Mexico |
Daniel Gomez | RHP | R/R | 6’2″ | 183 | 1/6/2008 | 17 | La Guaira, Venezuela |
Miguel Hernández | SS | R/R | 6’0″ | 165 | 6/2/2008 | 16 | Pariaguan, Venezuela |
Kenly Hunter | CF | R/R | 5’10” | 158 | 5/9/2008 | 16 | Corn Island, Nicaragua |
Yostin Peña | OF | R/R | 6’5″ | 210 | 10/19/2007 | 17 | Santo Domingo Este, Dominican Republic |
Jesus Perez | INF | R/R | 5’10” | 162 | 10/4/2007 | 17 | Punto Fijo, Venezuela |
Yeferson Portolatin | SS | S/R | 5’10” | 159 | 11/29/2007 | 17 | La Romana, Dominican Republic |
Juan Rujano | C | R/R | 6’3″ | 200 | 12/14/2007 | 17 | Santiago, Veraguas, Panama |
Royelny Strop | CF | L/L | 6’0″ | 176 | 6/4/2008 | 16 | Palenque, Dominican Republic |
Yordy Valdez | CF | R/R | 5’11” | 155 | 8/23/2008 | 16 | Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic |
— STL —
The Cardinals have $5,646,200 to spend for this period, tied with the Astros for third lowest in baseball. Players signed for $10,000 or less do not count against the bonus pool.
There’s not a ton of info available on these kids, but he’s what I do know and any reported bonuses.
Cordero is the son of former reliever Francisco Cordero; he received $100,000.
Hernandez is a plus speed guy with gap power and a short swing. He’s expect to stick at shortstop as his body matures; he’s got soft hands and quick movement, but there are questions around his arm.
Hunter was ranked 37th by MLB and the top prospect out of Nicaragua. He’s receiving $700,000. He’s got the ability to hit for average and potential plus speed. The speed should keep him in center for the long haul
Portolatin is receiving Tommy Edman comps, as he’s got a lot of tools but none that stick out. He’s also profiles as more of a utility player because of this. He’s stronger from the left side of the plate, but had good plate disciple across the board.
Rujano is receiving $750,000, which is expected to be the highest bonus for a player from Panama. He’s a larger player, so the power potential is there. Unfortunately, his size also means he might not stick behind the plate; he’s currently a project as catcher.
Strop is the 28th best international prospect this period; his father, Pedro Strop, was the former Cubs reliever. He’s receiving $1.5M. He’s got a pretty good bat for his age, with the ability to hit to all fields and line drive power. As one of the youngest players in the class, he’s got some time to fill out; he could stick at center, but he’s currently got work to do.
All should start the season in the Dominican Summer League later in the year.