January 15 marked a pivotal moment in the Major League Baseball (MLB) calendar—the international signing day. This year, the Chicago Cubs made headlines by securing 17 promising young talents, each embarking on their journey toward a potential debut in the big leagues.
The Cubs, based in Illinois, invested heavily in players primarily from Caribbean nations, with a significant number hailing from the Dominican Republic. This aligns with the franchise’s strategy to tap into the region’s rich baseball talent pool.
As reported by journalist Francys romero on X, three players received signing bonuses exceeding $1 million, all of Dominican origin. the standout was Wilfry De La Cruz, who inked a deal worth $2.5 million, making him the crown jewel of this year’s signings.
According to the MLB scouting report,De La Cruz ranks among the top 15 international prospects,securing the 13th spot. The 17-year-old shortstop from San Pedro de Macorís, who can also play third base, has garnered significant attention for his versatility and potential.
“De La Cruz’s swing is fluid and effortless from both sides of the plate.While he currently focuses on line drives, scouts anticipate his ability to generate extra-base hits will flourish as he transitions to professional play, especially when driving the ball to his pull side,” the report highlights.
At Swing Complete, we provide a comprehensive breakdown of all 30 MLB teams’ signings. Click hear to explore the confirmed deals during this international signing period MLB.
Cubs Secure Two More Dominican Stars
Along with De La Cruz, the Chicago Cubs signed two other Dominican prospects for over $1 million each: infielder Juan Cabada ($1.5 million) and shortstop Juan Tomas ($1.1 million).
Cabada, a left-handed hitter, has drawn praise for his bat speed and ability to drive the ball to all fields. The MLB website notes,“His dedication to the game and commitment to improvement are evident,and he’ll begin his professional career at just 17 years old.”
for the full list of the Top 50 prospects in the 2025 MLB International signings, click here.
Juan Tomas, meanwhile, has been lauded for his raw power and potential to develop into a formidable hitter. Sport Illustrated highlights his ability to make impactful contact, with room to grow as he builds strength—a focus for the Cubs’ advancement team.
Full Roster of Chicago Cubs Signings
- SS Wilfry De La Cruz $2.3M
- INF Juan Cabada $1.5M
- SS Juan Tomas $1.1M
- 3B Luis Santos $135,000
- CF Julio Acosta $125,000
- OF Jeuri Ramirez $80,000
- SS Luis Abreu $60,000
- OR Breiner Figuereo $40,000
- RHP Roni Dias $12,500
- LHP Angel Gonzalez $12,500
- RHP Salvador burgos $10,000
- OF Saul Ramirez $10,000
- OF Alfred Garcia $10,000
- RHP Ariel Ramos $10,000
- LHP Frankelli Desis $10,000
- C Jose Carrillo $10,000
- RHP Johansel Javier $10,000
The Chicago Cubs have once again demonstrated their commitment to building a strong future by making meaningful moves during the 2025 Major League Baseball (MLB) international signing period. On January 15, the Cubs secured 17 young talents, with a particular focus on the Dominican Republic, a region renowned for its baseball prowess.
According to journalist Francys Romero, three of these players received signing bonuses exceeding $1 million, with Wilfry De La Cruz emerging as the standout signing.De La Cruz, a 17-year-old shortstop from San Pedro de Macorís, signed a deal worth $2.5 million, making him the crown jewel of this year’s signings. His versatility, as he can also play third base, and his fluid, effortless swing from both sides of the plate have garnered significant attention from scouts. The MLB scouting report highlights his potential to generate extra-base hits, especially when driving the ball to his pull side, as he transitions to professional play [[2]].
this strategic investment aligns with the Cubs’ broader plan to tap into the rich talent pool of the Caribbean, notably the Dominican Republic. By securing top-tier international prospects like De La Cruz, the Cubs are positioning themselves for long-term success, focusing on developing young talent that could perhaps make a significant impact in the big leagues.
For more information on the Chicago Cubs’ performance,schedules,and news,fans can visit ESPN [[1]] and MLB.com [[3]]. Additionally, Bleacher Nation offers comprehensive coverage of Cubs news, rumors, and analysis [[2]].
the Chicago Cubs’ 2025 international signing class underscores their dedication to nurturing young talent and building a competitive roster for the future. With promising players like Wilfry De La Cruz leading the charge, the Cubs are poised to make waves in MLB in the coming years.