MLB International Free Agent Profile: Third baseman Eduardo Herrera

The international signing period blossoms various young talents who can do damage all over the field and who are in the prime stages of their developmental career. Multiple players in the international free agent market stem from the Caribbean and South America. 

Out of San Felipe, Venezuela stands a 17-year-old corner infield prospect who towers at 6’2” and scales around 215 pounds. Eduardo Herrera is highly noticeable on the field due to his size and physique and is expected to build even more on his athletic frame. 

Ranked as the 11th-best prospect available in international free agency by MLB Pipeline, Herrera is said to be one of the best pure power hitters in this year’s class.

“As far as pure power hitters are concerned, Herrera’s potential ranks among the best in this year’s class. With a hulking 6-foot-2, 200-pound frame, the teen ultimately projects to be a big bat in the middle of a lineup. It’s worth noting that scouts rave about his ability to make adjustments from pitch to pitch at the plate and handle both fastball and offspeed offerings. The shortstop-turned-third baseman has drawn comparisons to a teenage Albert Pujols — in terms of body type and raw power — and scouts have applauded his competitiveness.”

His build is athletic, and he can swing it without a doubt. With a shoulder-width stance and parallel toes in the batter’s box, his upper half alone can carry his bat speed. He has raw power and can drive the ball hard and adjust at the plate. Of course, his youth nature shows some raw flaws, such as a lack of the use of his lower half or a quiet trigger on the fire of his swing. His hands flow through the zone, guiding the barrel of his bat and primarily working pull-side with ease. Once the wrinkles are ironed out, we’re looking at a mid-to-high lineup type of hitter on the power side. 

On the defensive side, his body screams third baseman, which is why he transitioned to the hot corner from shortstop. He has good hands, is fearless when apprehended by the baseball, and his footwork is fluent, following his throw to first base. Herrera has an above-average arm with decent speed, both at his position and on the base pads. 

Although the White Sox are favourites to sign Herrera, the thought of him signing with the Blue Jays wouldn’t hurt from an organizational standpoint. A third baseman powerhouse with high projection and power would be perfect to replenish the hot corner stash. With Matt Chapman possibly not returning and Orelvis Martinez or Addison Barger either coming up to the show or being dealt, another stud at third base on the grape wine would be huge, future-wise. This may be a long shot, but it is worth the thought. 

ARTICLE PRESENTED BY BETANO