Vladimir Gutierrez

The Reds signed the 21-year-old Cuban righty for $4.75 million in late August, which amounts to a $9.5 million commitment from the team, as they exceeded their international bonus pool and incurred a 100 percent tax. At 6-foot-3, 175 pounds, he has a more projectable frame than some of the other top pitchers from last year's international class. Gutierrez can touch 97 mph with his fastball, but typically sits in the low-90s while also bringing a potentially plus curveball to the table. He has flashed an average changeup, and further development of that pitch will be critical for him to make it as a starter. Given his age and repertoire, he should be able to handle a full season league in 2017, likely getting assigned to the Midwest League or Florida State League. Based on the recent track record of Cuban pitchers that come stateside, it is fair to assign more bullpen risk to Gutierrez than a typical pitching prospect with his physical tools.

Gutierrez was perhaps the top pitching prospect in Cuba, winning the Serie Nacional's rookie of the year in the 2014-15 season. In August, Baseball America ranked him as the No. 12 player in Cuba. At age 19, Gutierrez could command a large contract from a MLB team, as he's a 6-foot-3 right-hander with a plus curveball and a projectable frame that should allow him to increase the velocity on his fastball (currently 88-93 mph). Gutierrez also mixes in a changeup and he projects as a starter in the big leagues long-term. However, it may be well into 2016 before he signs as he'll need to secure residency in another country and be declared a free agent in order to sign with a big league club.