Braves’ Initial Haul Of International Free Agent Signings Headlined by Young Flamethrower and Power Hitting Outfielder

It’s been a quiet offseason for the Atlanta Braves on the major league front. However, that
doesn’t mean the team is quiet on all fronts.
On Wednesday, the Braves signed 10 international free agents on the first day of Major League
Baseball’s international free agency window. The signings included five position players and five
pitchers (all of whom are right-handed). The acquisitions of pitcher Raudy Reyes and outfielder
Diego Tornes headlined Atlanta’s initial international free agency haul.
Reyes, a native of the Dominican Republic, signed a $1.8 million contract with the Braves
organization. At just 16 years old, a growth spurt over the last year has been beneficial to
Reyes, who stands at 6’3, 210 pounds. Reyes has also reportedly improved his pitching
mechanics, increasing his fastball velocity to 102 mph, convincing the Braves to offer him a
contract.
Tornes, a Cuban outfielder who is also 16, signed a $2.5 million contract with the Braves. Tornes
was a highly sought-after prospect who left Cuba at 13 to train in the Dominican Republic. A
switch hitter with lots of power, Tornes is considered “one of the most complete players in the
2024-25 international class” by baseball reporter Francys Romero. He is already ranked as the
No.5 prospect in baseball on FanGraphs.
Despite their young age and the fact that it will be several years before they reach the major
leagues, Reyes and Tornes’ potential should excite the Braves and their fans. General manager
Alex Anthopulous and the rest of the Braves front office and scouts will likely look to build on the
promising early returns of the team’s international free agent class for the duration of the
leagues international free agent signing window.

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