TOP WINTER BALL PROSPECTS

Ten prospects who captured scouts’ attention in Latin American winter leagues

- JUSTIN COLEMAN

The Latin American winter leagues are a chance for players to perform in their home countries while testing their skills against players across different levels of professional baseball. Intense games are the norm, and create a different experience whether a player is a prospect trying to improve his skill set or a former big leaguer hoping to return to pro ball.

The Estrellas Orientales, the champions of the Dominican League last year, did not qualify for the 2020 round-robin playoff tournament. Shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. was not able to play for the club after a stress fracture in his back limited him to 83 games as a Padres rookie.

After a lackluster start, Estrellas manager Fernando Tatis Sr. was let go on Nov. 7, less than a full season after hoisting the championship trophy, the club’s first in the six-team Dominican League since 1968.

Here are 10 prospects who captured the attention of scouts this winter, predominantly in the Dominican League.

JOSE SIRI, OF, MARINERS GIGANTES DEL CIBAO (DOMINICAN)

It was more of the same for Siri in the Dominican League. While scouts have noticed an improved approach at the plate, Siri hit just .196/.264/.411 in 31 games for Cibao. He showed the ability to elevate the ball more frequently, which helped him hit six homers. The Reds designated Siri for assignment when they signed outfielder Nick Castellanos, but he was subsequently claimed on waivers by Seattle. Siri is a 24-year-old, righthanded-hitting athlete with power, speed and defensive chops, which could be valuable to the rebuilding Mariners.

WANDER FRANCO, SS, RAYS GIGANTES DEL CIBAO (DOMINICAN)