3 Rays international signings to keep a close eye on for the future

Tampa Bay was able to select 11 players during this year's international signing. Three countries were represented as the youngsters came from one of either the Dominican Republic, Colombia, or Venezuela. It's exciting to think about the future that these players could hold. Wander Franco and Tampa's superstar infielder Junior Caminero entered the majors through this draft, so the sky may be the limit for them, especially the Rays' top selection.

1. Victor Valdez (Dominican Republic)

The top player off the board for the Rays this year was 17-year-old Dominican shortstop Victor Valdez. Tampa Bay signed the No. 11 prospect with $3.5 million, further solidifying the excitement for his talents.

A few attributes that stand out for Valdez are his incredible bat speed and power that go along with it. The Rays were also impressed by his defense, especially his throwing arm that clocks at about 92 mph from the shortstop position. The one concern the Rays had with Valdez was his lacking speed for middle infield, but he worked extremely hard to improve in that respect, running a 6.7 second 60-yard dash at a recent event. Even if the right-handed slugger has to move to third base when he reaches the MLB, scouts believe that his offense can still play at the highest level.

2. Fabricio Blanco (Venezuela)

The Rays also took No. 44 prospect Fabricio Blanco in this year's international draft. Blanco received $1 million at signing as he hopes to compete with Valdez as the Rays future shortstop. The 17-year-old Blanco is much smaller than Valdez, standing a mere 5'6 compared to his 6'1 stature, but his "scrappy" style of play was very attractive to scouts from the Rays camp.

The Venezuelan infielder is also a switch-hitter which is generally a great asset when utilized successfully in the big leagues. The Rays current shortstop Taylor Walls also hits from both sides of the plate and despite his struggles at the plate, Kevin Cash appreciates the matchup tools that surround a switch-hitter.

The Rays have followed Fabricio Blanco's play since he was very young and they walked away from each event seeing great improvement in athleticism and talent.

3. Jean Paredes (Dominican Republic)

The Rays also signed a Dominican outfielder in Jean Paredes with $1 million. Paredes and his 6'2 frame are projecting him to be a potential everyday center fielder in the major leagues when he matures to that level. The power can certainly show up when he gets accustomed to competitive pitching, and his defense already shows major league level talent with throws from the outfield being clocked around 100 mph.

Rays fans should be very excited, to say the least, about the great talent they received from this year's international draft.