Colorado Rockies “expected to sign” high-ranking prospect

The Colorado Rockies are reportedly close to signing one of the top international prospects, shortstop Dyan Jorge, who has experience with the Cuban national team.

According to a tweet from MLB Network insider Jon Heyman, the Colorado Rockies will ink Jorge for $2.8 million.

What does the signing of Dyan Jorge mean for the Colorado Rockies?

The 18-year-old Jorge was ranked as the 15th-best international prospect available by MLB.com. The shortstop, a native of Havana, was the shortstop for Cuba’s team in the 15-U Baseball Cup, held in 2018 in Panama. He defected from Cuba in late 2019, and scouts say defense has been his calling card to this point in his career. However, at age 18, there is plenty of time for his bat to develop as well.

Jorge was originally thought to be signing with the Rockies last season, but reportedly waited one more year to ink his contract.

There is an interesting article and interview with him here. In the interview, Jorge says that, while shortstop is his strongest position, he has moved throughout the infield.

While the Rockies may expected to sign him, it will likely be some time before Jorge makes any kind of impact with the MLB club. With his age and need for the bat to develop, look for Jorge to start his work toward an MLB career at a low level without much pressure to perform in the early stages of his career.

Colorado has 20-year-old Ezequiel Tovar already on its 40-man roster and pegged by many in the organization to be its shortstop of the future. He didn’t play above High-A Spokane last season so there is still some work for him to do before he makes his way to Coors Field as well.

With Tovar impressing the right people within the Rockies organization, once in the system, Jorge can develop at a pace that doesn’t rush his development.

UPDATE: According to reports, the Rockies have officially signed Jorge.