Baltimore Orioles favorites to sign infielder Cesar Prieto

International free agency may as well have not existed to the Baltimore Orioles. They neglected that market for years, refusing to spend money in Latin America and trading away chunks of their signing pool to add mediocre talent to the organization. This is something that Mike Elias has worked to change since taking over in the front office.

His work in the international market is continuing to bear fruit. The Orioles are considered to be the favorites to sign intriguing Cuban infielder Cesar Prieto, who is expected to receive approximately $750,000.

Baltimore Orioles to add infielder Cesar Prieto

While Prieto is a bit older for the international prospect community at 22 years old, he also has more of a track record than most prospects. He spent four years in the Cuban National Series where he was an emerging star and may end up moving quickly through the Orioles’ system.

Prieto made a good deal of history in Cuba. He had a 40 game hitting streak to set the CNS record, and his 134 hits during the 2018-19 season broke Kendrys Morales‘ record for the most hits by a rookie. He hit from the moment he made his debut and never stopped.

His last season in Cuba was remarkable. Prieto posted an impressive .403/.463/.579 batting line in his 360 plate appearances, hitting 21 doubles, seven triples, and seven homers. He showed an incredible ability to make contact, striking out just 11 times, and had solid command of the strike zone with 31 walks.

That matches his scouting reports. He has been compared to Eric Sogard due to his swing and overall skills, but there may be a lot more in the tank. His gap power, excellent speed, and ability to make contact would seemingly make him a fit at the top of a lineup, but he needs refinement on the basepaths if that speed will translate into steals and extra bases.

The Baltimore Orioles are reportedly set to sign Cuban infielder Cesar Prieto. He could end up being an absolute steal if he develops as expected.