Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Padres on the Verge of Making Huge International Free Agent Signing

Originally posted on FanNation Inside The Padres
By Ricardo Sandoval | Last updated 1/14/24

The San Diego Padres are looking to make some noise in the international market.

Last year, the Padres added 17-year-old catcher and their now No. 1 prospect, Ethan Salas. This year, they could add another 17-year-old international prospect with tremendous upside.

According to Padres' insider for the San Diego Tribune, Jeff Sanders, the Friars are tied to one of the top international amateurs in the market, shortstop Leodalis De Vries.

Coming soon to San Diego! Leodalis De Vries is special! #Padres @padres

: Leodalis De Vries | IG pic.twitter.com/n96SSMnnA3
— Mark Bartlett (@mark_a_bartlett) January 11, 2024

All signs point to De Vries becoming a Padre, as both MLB.com and Baseball America have him linked to San Diego.

Additionally, De Vries is wearing Padres gear all over his Instagram page.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Leodalis De Vries Angomas (@leodalisdevries)

De Vries is ranked as the No. 1 international prospect according to MLB.com, and No. 2 by Baseball America in this year's class.

According to MLB.com, De Vries is a smooth defender with the "intangibles to stick at the position" for a long time. He stands at 6-foot-2, 175 pounds, and can play any infield position, but shortstop is where he excels the most. He boosts advanced hitting ability, and the swtich-hitter can hit for power on both sides.

If the Padres do end up signing De Vries, they would have signed the top international prospect for the second straight year.

Salas is already rising the ranks of the Padres' minor league system. De Vries could be next on the list.

This article first appeared on FanNation Inside The Padres and was syndicated with permission.

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