The Chicago Cubs have signed international shortstop prospect Fernando Cruz to a $4 million signing bonus on Monday. It's one of the top signing bonuses in this year's international class, even though the 17-year-old hasn't stood out quite as much as the other shortstop prospects in his class. Cruz has a very strong glove up the middle and has impressed during recent showcases, but he'll need to develop some of his other offensive tools as he matures in the next couple of years before he's considered one of the top prospects in the game at the premium position at the 6.
Fernando Cruz To Serve As Opener Against Diamondbacks
Cincinnati Reds right-hander Fernando Cruz will serve as the team's opener on Saturday against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Cruz will only go an inning or two before likely giving way to right-hander Ben Lively (pectoral), who is expected to be activated from the 15-day injured to serve as the bulk reliever for this one. The 33-year-old Cruz will be making his first start of the year, so fantasy managers will want to stay away from him as a streamer. In 46 appearances out of Cincy's bullpen in 2023 in his second year in the big leagues, he's posted a 4.30 ERA (3.06 FIP), 1.22 WHIP, 23 walks and 74 strikeouts in 52 1/3 innings pitched.
The Cincinnati Reds activated right-hander Fernando Cruz (shoulder) from the 15-day injured list on Friday and optioned right-hander Alan Busenitz to the minors in a corresponding move. Cruz ended up missing more than a month due to a right-shoulder strain, but he's back now and will provide additional depth out of the bullpen. The 33-year-old will return to a 6.59 ERA (3.06 FIP), 1.68 WHIP, eight walks and 20 strikeouts in 13 2/3 innings over his 10 relief appearances this year. Cruz has some strikeout upside, but he can continue being ignored in fantasy. Busenitz heads back to the farm after allowing two runs while walking one and striking out three in four relief innings for the Reds.
Fernando Cruz
• RP
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Reds
