Tigers Sign Top International Prospect Cris Rodriguez for Record $3.2 Million

DETROIT — The Detroit Tigers made a historic splash in the international market Wednesday, signing 16-year-old Dominican outfielder Cris Rodriguez to a record-breaking $3.197 million bonus. The deal marks the largest signing bonus the Tigers have ever given to an international amateur player, surpassing the $2.95 million awarded to Roberto Campos in 2021.

Ranked No. 4 by MLB Pipeline and Baseball America in this year’s international class, Rodriguez is considered one of the most promising talents in the 2025 signing period. Standing at 6-foot-4 and weighing 200 pounds, the right-handed hitter has drawn comparisons to former MLB star Alex Rodriguez for his powerful swing and advanced physical tools.

“The physical ability we believe to be special,” said Tigers assistant general manager Rob Metzler. “We love the bat speed, the power, the bat path. We love the athleticism, the frame, the natural projection. This is a kid we’ve gotten to know really well.”

Rodriguez, who currently plays center field, is expected to transition to a corner outfield position as he develops. His size, arm strength, and raw power have scouts optimistic about his potential to become a middle-of-the-order bat in the majors.

Miguel García, the Tigers’ director of Latin American scouting, praised Rodriguez’s development under the watchful eye of international scout Rodolfo Peñalo. “Rodolfo did a tremendous job following his development, and we were able to evaluate him on a consistent basis,” García said. “Every time we saw him, we slowly believed that Cris’ tools are good enough to help him become a prospect in the game.”

The signing represents a significant shift in the Tigers’ international strategy. Under former general manager Al Avila, the team often spread its bonus pool across multiple players rather than targeting top-tier talent. However, under current president of baseball operations Scott Harris, the Tigers have prioritized securing high-profile prospects like Rodriguez.

Despite his potential, Rodriguez’s game is not without concerns. Scouts have noted early signs of swing-and-miss tendencies, which could be tested as he faces more advanced pitching. However, his discipline and pitch recognition are seen as strengths that could help him overcome these challenges.

Rodriguez is the headliner of a Tigers international class that also includes Venezuelan center fielder Carlos Ramirez ($900,000) and catcher Carlos Benavidez ($800,000). The trio accounts for nearly 65% of Detroit’s $7.6 million bonus pool for the 2025 signing period.

The Tigers’ international department has faced criticism in recent years for its lack of major-league success stories. However, with Rodriguez and other promising signees, the organization hopes to turn the tide and build a stronger pipeline of talent from Latin America.

“This was a full departmental and full organizational effort,” Metzler said. “I thought this department and the staff worked tremendously well together. We believe in Cris’ ability, but this is one step along a hard and challenging journey.”

Rodriguez will begin his professional career in the Dominican Summer League, where the Tigers will closely monitor his development as he works toward his goal of reaching the majors.