Yankees are favorites to sign top international catching prospect Jesus Galiz: report

Galiz is a true two-way talent

4/30/2020, 6:26 PM
Feb 14, 2019; Tampa, FL, USA; A general view of George M. Steinbrenner Field where the New York Yankees hit batting practice during spring training. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports / Kim Klement
Feb 14, 2019; Tampa, FL, USA; A general view of George M. Steinbrenner Field where the New York Yankees hit batting practice during spring training. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports / Kim Klement

During last year's international free agent signing period, the Yankees landed Jasson Dominguez, viewed as the top prospect on the market and a future star.

This year, they are reportedly the favorites to sign Jesus Galiz, a top 10 international prospect and the best catching prospect available, according to MLB.com.

Galiz, 16, grew up dreaming of becoming the next Gleyber Torres, according to MLB.com's writeup on him, but his middle infield dream turned into one that landed him behind the plate as a true two-way threat. 

Citing his "quick feet, strong arm, high baseball IQ and the overall athleticism," MLB.com's scouting report on Galiz says that the quick release he once used at shortstop has translated to behind the plate.

More from the scouting report on Galiz:

Galiz also shows advanced skills at the plate. The teen features a quick and compact swing with the ability to drive the ball to all fields. He also projects to have plus power in the future. Galiz still models his overall game, especially in the batter's box, after Torres.

He's an average runner now, but he projects to be a solid runner in the future. Galiz grew up with the game and has been training with Emiro Barboza, a member of MLB's Trainer Partnership Program, at his academy in Venezuela since he was 10 years old. 

If the Yanks land Galiz as expected, he could quickly pass Anthony Seigler (currently New York's top-rated catching prospect and No. 15 prospect overall) as their most heralded backstop in the minors.

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