The Houston Astros are reportedly nearing a significant agreement to sign a talented young prospect. This move comes as part of their strategy to bolster the team with fresh talent. Details about the prospect and the terms of the deal are still emerging, but it marks a notable step in the Astros’ ongoing efforts to enhance their roster
The Houston Astros are poised to sign right-handed pitcher Alex Santiago Gonzalez, according to Francys Romero’s report on Thursday afternoon.
The agreement is contingent upon a physical, and sources indicate that it should be finalized in the coming days.
The 18-year-old pitcher hails from Cuba and trained at the Yuan Pino Academy. Romero previously reported on October 9 that Gonzalez had been declared a free agent by the commissioner’s office.
Gonzalez stands at 6 feet 4 inches and weighs 200 pounds, with a fastball that ranges from 93 to 95 miles per hour.
He is the son of Norberto Gonzalez, a left-handed pitcher who played for the Elefantes de Cienfuegos in the Cuban National Series from 1997 to 2017. Norberto’s career stats include a record of 148-136, a 4.03 ERA, a 1.476 WHIP, and 1,466 strikeouts.
His father also achieved a Gold Medal with Team Cuba at the 2004 Athens Olympics and participated in the World Baseball Classics in 2006, 2009, and 2013.
As noted by Romero, the Astros will have signed three Cuban players since the current international free agency signing period opened on January 15, including outfielders Cesar Yanquiel Hernandez and Luis Rives.
Currently, the most prominent Cuban player on the Astros roster is Yordan Álvarez, while Yuli Gurriel, Aledmys Díaz, and José Abreu have also played for the team in recent years.
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