Welcome back for an update of my FYPD and international signees rankings. The list has been expanded to 75 players so be sure to click on the ‘next’ button at the bottom of the list to see all the rankings. A big addition to all FYPD lists will be the players signing on January 15th in the delayed J2 signing period. The teams listed as ‘Reportedly’ are the teams expected to sign these players, though keep in mind signings are not finalized and anything is possible. I’ve written up a quick review of the top international signees for your enjoyment below.

Ha-Seong Kim, SS, San Diego Padres

A 25-year-old SS, who will likely be moving to second base, will be plug-and-play for your fantasy team. In fact, one of the reasons Kim chose the Padres is the team agreed to give him a ‘no minors’ clause meaning he will remain in the major leagues. Kim brings some power, hitting a career-high 30 home runs in 2020 in the KBO, and walked more than he struck out. In 891 career professional games, often being far younger than the competition, Kim put up a career triple-slash line of .294/.373/.493.

That’s a glowing review, but the reason I currently only have him ranked as the 8^th best player is that there are some questions as to how his abilities translate to the major leagues. He’s probably seen some impressive spin in the KBO, but it’s unlikely he’s used to the consistent high velocity he’ll see in the majors. After a closer look at his swing, I’d describe it as long, and the power appears to be full effort. This is not necessarily a flaw, but rather a question of how his hit tool will play at the highest level, and enough to be a bit tentative with his ranking.

Wilman Diaz, SS, Los Angeles Dodgers

An all-around talent with plus athletic ability, a solid hit tool, above-average running, good in-game power, and some projectable raw power as well. Diaz is a player who’s hampered a bit by limited looks and some unknowns including plate discipline and ability to see and hit breaking balls. Another factor holding him back, and many of the international players, is his age. At 17 years of age, there’s a lot of projection in the player, and a long time for fantasy owners to wait for production. A lot can happen in four years both good and bad, but Diaz has the ability to be successful and is worth waiting on.

Yoelqui Cespedes, OF, Chicago White Sox

Billed as a five-tool talent, Cespedes does have an above-average hit tool, and above-average speed, which should translate well for fantasy teams. However, in the power department, there might not be enough to truly excite. The bat path is geared towards line drives, and he’s a little undersized at 5’9”, but strong at 205 lbs. The weight is reportedly 15 lbs more than his playing weight in Cuba, so owners could see this as a reason for optimism, or another unknown how it will play. At 23 years old, Cespedes should not need as much time in the minors as his international class peers, but we’ll also have to squint to find him playing time on a deep White Sox roster.

Cristian Hernandez, SS, Chicago Cubs

Tall and lanky, Hernandez measures in at 6’2” and 175 lbs, but at 17 years of age, there is plenty of time for him to grow into his frame. He has current plus raw power, and the ability to have an average to above-average hit tool. Hernandez has good movements and arm at shortstop, but a lot will depend on how his body matures if he can stay there or move to a corner spot. There’s so much projection left in a 17-year-old, that his skills really must stand out to you to warrant the pick it will take to acquire him and the time investment to watch him mature.

Carlos Colmenarez, SS, Tampa Bay Rays

Another 17-year-old, Colmenarez brings an all field hitting approach and a quick bat. His hit tool appears to be above average to plus, with above-average speed. He shows the ability to hit the ball in the air, but in part due to size (5’10”, currently 170 lbs), and build, I would project him to have below-average in-game power at the highest level. Slick and smooth at shortstop, he figures to stick at the position at least through physical maturity. Colmenarez is another player who will be drafted by a fantasy owner who really thinks his skills jump out and will develop in an organization that’s stockpiling young athletic middle infielders.