Eloy pays it forward at Int'l Prospect Showcase

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- In January 2013, a 16-year-old outfielder named Eloy Jiménez was among the amateur players invited to the second annual MLB International Prospect Showcase.

During the event in his native Dominican Republic, Jiménez told MLB.com’s Jesse Sanchez: “This has been an unforgettable experience. … It’s like a dream come true.”

Nearly seven years later, Jiménez has not forgotten the experience -- and his dreams are coming true.

“That’s why I’m here,” Jiménez told MLB.com on Monday, as he stood near the batting cage at Salt River Fields at Talking Stick. “[MLB] gave me this opportunity. Now they’re giving it to the other guys, and I think that’s really good.”

Jiménez won’t turn 23 until later this month, but the White Sox slugger is eager to share his perspective with baseball’s next wave of international talent. On Monday, that meant eagerly accepting MLB’s invitation to chat with prospects invited to attend the General Managers Meetings International Showcase.

MLB’s international scouting showcases -- consisting largely of prospects from the Dominican Republic and Venezuela -- have helped to launch the professional careers of Jiménez, Gleyber Torres and Rafael Devers, among others.

This week’s edition is unique, in that high-level prospects for the 2020-21 and 2021-22 signing periods have traveled to the United States, rather than gathering at a stadium in the Dominican Republic or Venezuela. The timing and location are optimal, as MLB club executives and scouting directors attending the annual GM Meetings can travel easily between the conference hotel and Salt River Fields.

The picturesque ballpark -- and influential audience -- underscore the central point Jiménez made in conversations with the aspiring players.

“If you have discipline and put in the effort, you’re going to get opportunities,” Jiménez said. “They’re here now, but if they don’t have discipline, they won’t get the opportunity in MLB. That’s the biggest advice I gave them.”

In 2019 alone, Jiménez signed a six-year, $43 million contract with the White Sox and finished fourth in American League Rookie of the Year Award voting, after posting an .828 OPS in 122 games.

For his success, Jiménez credits the work ethic he learned from his parents. His father, Luis, is a retired professional basketball player; and his mother, Adelaida Solano de Jiménez, works as a police bioanalyst in Santo Domingo.

“My dad and mom always have been there,” Jiménez said. “Thank God I have the mom that I have and the dad that I have. If it wasn’t for them, I don’t think I’m here. They support me. They always talked about discipline, and that’s why I always talk about discipline.”

Jiménez said the showcase’s location in the U.S. is a big advantage for the current attendees, who can meet mentors and begin the cultural (and linguistic) education that is part of a player’s development toward the Major Leagues.

Jiménez began his professional career in the Cubs’ organization and said Monday that he’s grateful to his former club for the English and cultural classes that were part of his early Minor League experience.

“It’s really good to have young guys playing in the Majors who can give you advice and talk with them,” Jiménez said. “Before, I had that opportunity, and now I have the chance to bring that to the other guys. That’s amazing for me, and I feel really happy to be here.”

And as Jiménez watched batting practice on Monday, his thoughts drifted back nearly seven years -- to Temistocles Metz Stadium in San Cristobal, where he wore a uniform with the same MLB logo.

“Every time I see these kids having fun, it reminds me of 2013,” he said. “I was nervous and excited at the same time. They gave me the opportunity. Wearing that uniform was amazing. I’m never going to forget that. The scouts were there. It’s amazing. I don’t have words to explain that.”