The Tigers added a talented prospect to their system after agreeing to a deal with Dominican third baseman Nestor Miranda, MLB.com’s No. 45 international prospect, upon Monday’s opening of the 2024 signing period. The club announced the agreement on Monday.
Miranda signed for a $1.5 million bonus, according to sources. Detroit received a signing pool of $6.52 million for this year’s class.
Miranda is a big-bodied infielder who has made a name for himself as a solid defender and hitter with lots of potential. Specifically, scouts note the teen’s pitch recognition and composure on offense are advanced for a player at his age. Overall, Miranda shows a good approach at the plate and a knack for managing the strike zone.
He’s displayed the ability to drive the ball to all fields, and scouts have pointed out a significant uptick in his athleticism this year. Miranda continues to make strides as a third baseman, and there’s reason to believe he’ll remain at the hot corner as he progresses through the Minor Leagues. Miranda will also benefit from receiving daily instruction from his new club. His arm strength is expected to improve as he matures and fills into his 6-foot-3 frame.
Miranda is trained by Enrique Soto in Bani, Dominican Republic.
The Tigers also announced the signings of shortstop Jose Dickson (6-foot-2, 158 pounds), outfielder Jonathan Moya (5-11, 203) and right-hander Albert Ramos (6-3, 185), three unranked prospects out of the Dominican Republic.
An international player is eligible to sign with a Major League team between Jan. 15 and Dec. 15. He must turn 16 before he signs and be 17 before Sept. 1 the following year.
That means players born between Sept. 1, 2006, and Aug. 31, 2007, will be eligible to sign in the current signing period. Players must be registered with Major League Baseball in advance to be eligible to sign.