CHICAGO -- The White Sox on Saturday announced the signing of international free agent Luis Robert.
Robert, a 19-year-old from Cuba, is the No. 1 international free agent, according to MLBPipeline.com, and he will be yet another piece in the club's ongoing rebuilding effort.
While other top prospects have been acquired via trade, Robert marks the first significant financial investment during the process, as the two sides agreed on a deal which includes a $26 million bonus. It is the second-highest bonus for an international amateur under the current signing guidelines. Yoan Moncada, Robert's Cuban countryman and now teammate within the White Sox organization, set the record through his $31.5 million deal with the Red Sox in 2015
"In adding Luis to our organization, we believe we have added a dynamic, potential impact player," said senior vice president/general manager Rick Hahn. "He becomes instantly one of our top position player prospects … and one of the top prospects in the game."
At 19, Robert, baseball's No. 26 overall prospect, is considered to have five-tool talent and will begin his Minor League career with the Dominican Summer League White Sox. In a recent MLBPipeline.com Inbox, Jonathan Mayo indicated Robert would be in the conversation for the top pick in the 2017 MLB Draft if he were eligible.
According to MLB.com's Jesse Sanchez, one American League international scouting director described Robert as "the best player on the planet."
So why did Roberts chose to sign with the White Sox?
"It was the team that scouted me the most," he said in Spanish through a translator. "And I felt comfortable with this team and the people that I met with."
This signing continues the franchise's long and storied Cuban connection, including the great Minnie Minoso, pitchers Jose Contreras and Orlando "El Duque" Hernandez from the 2005 World Series champions, shortstop Alexei Ramirez, outfielder Dayan Viciedo and current first baseman Jose Abreu.
Abreu agreed to terms on a six-year, $68 million deal prior to the 2014 campaign, although he opted into arbitration prior to the '17 season and is currently earning $10.825 million.
"The White Sox tradition for Cuban players was something that motivated me to sign with this team and made me comfortable," said Roberts.
If things pan out in the next few years, the White Sox could feature up-the-middle strength of Zack Collins at catcher, Moncada at second, Tim Anderson at shortstop and Robert in center. Robert joins other top prospects such as right-handed hurlers Michael Kopech, Lucas Giolito, Reynaldo Lopez, Zack Burdi, Carson Fulmer and Dane Dunning, to name a few.
Scott Merkin has covered the White Sox for MLB.com
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