Padres strong 2022 class of international signings: Susana, Rojas, Verdugo, and Cedeno
Credit: Twitter
As day one of the 2022 international signing period comes to a close, the San Diego Padres boast another strong class after signing the following 20 prospects:
RHP Jarlin Susana
INF/OF Yendry Rojas
INF Rosman Verdugo
INF Oliver Cedeno
LHP Braian Salazar
INF/OF Juan Murillo
INF Maykol Munoz
C Steven Giron
RHP Josmar Acevedo
RHP Jhosep Chirinos
INF Alian Camou
OF Estuar Suero
RHP Francis Pena
LHP Wilmer Ramirez
LHP Jefren Tejada
RHP Xavier Ruiz
RHP Luis German
RHP Enmanuel Pinales
OF Eizon Delgado
INF Luis Chevalier
The Padres signed two prospects that both ranked within the top 50 international prospect lists of MLB Pipeline and Baseball America
Right-handed pitcher Jarlin Susana and infielder/outfielder Yendry Rojas are both promising players.
The top pitcher in the entire international class, Susana was ranked 17th overall by Baseball America and 31st overall by MLB Pipeline. At 6’6 and over 230 pounds, the 17-year-old Susana has an impressive frame and even more impressive stuff. Susana’s fastball sits in the 94-97 mph range and has topped out at 99-100 MPH, a rare level of power for someone his age. He pairs it with a solid trio of offspeed pitches in his mid-80s slider, mid-80s changeup, and a low-80s curveball. Susana’s delivery is simple and easy, and he hasn’t shown any significant struggles with his command. The sky’s the limit when it comes to Susana’s ceiling, and if all goes well in his development, he could end up as a powerful top of the rotation starter in the mold of Gerrit Cole.
16-year-old left-handed infielder Yendry Rojas was ranked 25th overall by Baseball America and 24th overall by MLB Pipeline. At 6’1 and 190 pounds, Rojas has impressed scouts by flashing five tools and great plate discipline while playing all over the infield as well as center field. Rojas has a smooth left-handed swing with good loft to it, giving many the impression that he could develop above-average power. If he reaches his ceiling, Rojas could end up as a Jake Cronenworth or Yoan Moncada type infielder, providing plenty of value from his well-rounded game and plate discipline with 20+ home run power.
Despite missing out on Baseball America’s top 50, 16-year-old infielder Rosman Verdugo was ranked 47th overall by MLB Pipeline. Outside of an above-average hit tool, the 6’0 and 180 pound Verdugo doesn’t possess any special tools but provides value by being solid at nearly every aspect of the game. Verdugo’s ceiling will depend on how his power develops, as he has plenty of room to add to his 6-foot frame. Verdugo’s current ceiling is that of a Miguel Rojas type but could add enough power to become more of a Jonathan India type.
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16-year-old shortstop and Baseball America’s 46th overall prospect Oliver Cedeno was the last of the Padres prospects to crack a top 50 list. At 5’11 and 165 pounds, Cedeno is a talented switch-hitter with plus speed and plus tools in the field, giving him a good chance to stick at shortstop. Cedeno has drawn comparisons to fellow Padres prospect Victor Acosta but isn’t quite on his level and has the ceiling of a Jurikson Profar type player with superior speed and defense.
Born and raised in San Diego, aspiring Baseball Journalist and lifelong fan of the San Diego Padres. My life’s goal is to retire early, become a season ticket holder and practically live at Petco Park in the summer.