He did in fact sign.
https://x.com/francysromerofr/status/1746926412282445889?s=61&t=g3n7aWNRpCG3SGl62w3qhg
Además:
Cuban OF Luis Miguel Rives officially signs with the Houston Astros.
Bonus deal: $900,000.
Athletic outfielder, switch hitter, speed and elite arm.
https://x.com/francysromerofr/status/1746938163153486215?s=61&t=g3n7aWNRpCG3SGl62w3qhg
Astros announced a slew of international signings yesterday (which did not include Roki Sasaki for some reason). Most notable name is Kevin Alvarez, a sixteen year old Cuban OF who was rated the #7 prospect and “most complete hitter” in this year’s class:
https://www.chron.com/sports/astros/article/astros-sign-cuban-outfielder-20037977.php
And one of only three prospects in the class to receive a 65 grade hit tool (60 grade power). I had room for only so many quotes.
Good thing since the real Paul O’Neill is 61.
According to Francys Romero, the Astros have signed Orlando Martínez, a 27-year old outfielder from Cuba. He bats left-handed and will report to Corpus Christi.
He’s had a good year in the Mexican League, batting .364/.415/.689. Who knows how well that’ll translate to the high minors, much less MLB, but it can’t hurt to add another lefty bat to the system.
The Mexican League used to be considered AAA. Though some of the players on the rosters lately make me think it might be more like AA or AA 1/2.
David Hensley is going nutso in the Mexican league if that tells you anything.
One of my mentors who is a brilliant fellow (and one of NeilT’s former partners) has recently taken a great interest in baseball. He’s especially fascinated by the ballplayers who toiled in the minors for years on end before finally making one (or at least another) chance at the big leagues. He’s constantly sending me wikipedia pages for at best 4-A players who appear in MLB box scores that have spent the last decade of their lives, on paper, and who knows what before, chasing the dream. I’m sending him Hensley’s stats right now.