The last time the Rockies signed a teenage Latin American switch-hitter shortstop, they were pleased with the results. After coming to an understanding with Ashly Andujar on Monday, when the international signing period for 2024 opened, they want to replicate that achievement.
MLB Pipeline ranks 16-year-old Andujar of San Pedro de Macoris, Dominican Republic, as the No. 17 international prospect. Andujar, who is listed at 6-foot-1 and 160 pounds, has the build of a baserunner with impact potential and has shown scouts that he can swing a bat from gap to gap. Oscar Pujols, a 17-year-old right-handed pitcher ranked No. 35 among international prospects, and the Rockies have also come to an agreement.
Andujar agreed to a $1.7 million incentive, while Pujols agreed to a $600,000 contract. Roldy Brito, an infielder from the Dominican Republic, has also been signed by the team for $420,000.
The tools that Andujar possesses are similar to those of Ezequiel Tovar, who was the starting shortstop during his excellent rookie campaign in 2023. In 2016, the Rockies signed Tovar, a Venezuelan who had relocated to the Dominican Republic to attend a school managed by agent Roberto Vahlis for scouting purposes, for $800,000. Like Andujar, Tovar was a switch-hitting shortstop.
The Rockies’ longstanding vice president of international scouting and player development, Rolando Fernandez, stated that the signing procedure for Andujar was comparable to that of Tovar. After following Andujar from Chal Baseball Academy for over three years, the Rockies are as sure as they can be in their assessment of his athletic potential.
Tovar, who is only 22 years old, is expected to establish himself as a key player in the Rockies’ infield for many years to come. However, Andujar and other prospects who were signed as teenagers have little to do with that. The Rockies recognize Andujar’s current qualities, which include his intuitive awareness and acute internal clock, as well as his physical abilities, such as his disciplined approach, strong arm, and sure hands on defense. More crucially, they depict him developing into an athlete who will somehow make a difference.
“These guys get bigger and stronger. Fernando Tatis Jr. was six feet tall when he signed, and Juan Soto was six feet tall and roughly 190 pounds,” Fernandez remarked. “You’re not always correct, but throughout his development, we are counting on his body projection and strength. When I first saw Tovar, he was about 14 years old and 5 feet 8 inches tall.
“I enjoy sportsmen, and most of them are shortstops. Or they are center fielders if they are outfield players. We sign players collectively; our main point of contact with Andujar was scout Frank Roa. We know Andujar can play the game, we have a history with him, and there is potential because it will take time for him to reach the major leagues.
Pujols, who was scouted by Manuel Cabrera and is now out of the DDLA Sports program, is noted as being 6-foot-3 and 155 pounds. His fastball, which reaches 88–92 mph, should get stronger as his body gets bigger. His secondary pitches, which include a curveball with a downward motion, are particularly appealing to Fernandez.
Many children have a curve that is more like a slurve—a side-to-side motion similar to a slider, but with less velocity—rather than a “downer” at that age, according to Fernandez. “He finishes well; he can take a curveball.” He utilizes all of his pitches and has a nice changeup.
