Astros sign another Cuban standout in Leosdani Molina

The Astros have signed Cuban infielder Leosdani Molina.

The international pipeline of prospects has hit big in Cuba for the Houston Astros. While Yuli Gurriel stands out the most, they did trade for Yordan Alvarez and recently sign Pedro Leon. The talent is being well produced in the country, and for a team depleted in top draft picks, it is essential to attack the international free agency market.

On Friday, Francys Romero reported that the Astros signed Leosdani Molina, who left Cuba in 2019. The 21-year-old infielder runs a 6.1/60-yard dash, as mainly a shortstop. Molina is a multi-tooled international prospect that is now the 16th Cuban player in the Astros’ farm system (leads major leagues).

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As a balanced hitter with a small load, Molina has improved his exit velocity, as reported by Romero. In 21 games with Las Avispas de Santiago, the right-hander slashed .250/.300 /.339 with two doubles and a home run. This small sample size came before he defected from Cuba in 2019. Romero has pointed to the different tools that Molina brings to the table along with his maturity to his success.

"“Speed, versatility, power, contact, and defense are well-paid attributes in the constant search for talent. Molina has several tools to achieve that ‘first objective’ of inserting himself into professionalism.”-Romero, translated from Spanish"

On Instagram, Molina posted his signing with the Astros with the caption: “Thank you very much my God for meeting one of my goals, thank you to all the people who were always present to achieve this today. We go for more.” (translated from Spanish)