The international signing period began today, and the Braves didn’t waste any time inking one of the top international prospects to a lucrative deal. According to David O’Brien of The Athletic, 16-year-old outfielder Diego Tornes is the newest member of the organization, receiving a $2.5 million signing bonus to join the Braves.
“Tornes is one of the younger players in the 2025 international class but has long stood out for his power,” Badler writes “He’s a tall, physical switch-hitter with big bat speed from both sides of the plate who is able to drive the ball consistently for impact and projects to have plus power. Tornes’ swing can cut in and out of the hitting zone too quickly at times, but he’s not a feast-or-famine hitter because it’s an accurate swing, and he’s able to pick up spin early with a knack for being on time. Tornes early in the scouting process looked like a left fielder who might end up at first base. He has since improved his speed and defense—he’s a tick above-average runner with an average arm—to the point where he could get a chance to start in center field, though his long-term future could be in a corner.”
The Braves entered this year’s international signing period with just over $6.2 million in international bonus pool money. Tornes will likely be the most expensive player they sign this period; however, Baseball America also projects Atlanta to sign a couple of more top 100 international prospects — right-handed pitcher Raudy Reyes (#19 ranked prospect) and shortstop Angel Carmona (#96 ranked prospect).Â
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Photographer: Larry Radloff/Icon Sportswire
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