Long-time watchers have predicted that the KC Royals would sign a gifted young Cuban shortstop during the next international signing period. And it appears that’s exactly what happened on Monday when that crucial period opened.
Yandel Ricardo, a highly ranked 17-year-old infielder, has been acquired by Kansas City, according to MLB Pipeline just hours into the window.
As is often the case with athletes this young, Ricardo’s statistics information is scarce. It is known, however, that Pipeline has him ranked as the 16th best accessible foreign talent.
At 6 feet 1 inch and 180 pounds, Ricardo is a switch hitter with moderate power and a right-handed thrower. If the Royals sign current shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. to a long-term contract extension, as they should, they may be sensible to work him at other positions if his development and advancement match his potential.
Although the Royals haven’t disclosed how much of their $7,114,800 foreign signing quota they give Ricardo, it’s safe to presume that he’s suddenly a multi-millionaire.
A previous fan favourite of Kansas City now works in baseball.
During his excellent 19-year major league career, Raúl Ibańez was assigned to the Royals for two tours of duty: the first was from 2001 through 2003, and the second consisted of just 33 games in the 2014 season. However, those who have closely followed the team may recall that second stint the most.
Ibaűez, who was signed by the team in late June after being released by the Angels, gave a clubhouse speech during that 2014 season that many believe gave the Royals a new lease on life and helped lead them to their first American League pennant since 1985.
Throughout the Royals’ postseason play, Ibaűez was a reliable presence in the dugout, despite not participating in the playoffs that year. After the season, he retired and applied his baseball skills to off-field employment, working as an executive and commentator for Major League Baseball and the Dodgers, respectively. He has a history of showing an interest in management.
