HOUSTON, TX - The Houston Astros have agreed to terms on contracts with 20 international free agents, including eight players from Venezuela, six from the Dominican Republic, four from Mexico and one player each from Colombia and Cuba. The announcement was made by Astros Assistant General Manager Charles Cook. Terms of the contracts were not disclosed.

¡°We are excited to open the 2025 signing period by welcoming this talented group of players to the organization,¡± Astros International Scouting Director Brian Rodgers said. ¡°For these prospects, signing day is the fulfillment of a lifelong dream but also the start of a new professional journey, and we look forward to supporting them as they embark on their pro careers. Today¡¯s signings are a product of countless hours of work by our International Scouting personnel, who work tirelessly to evaluate the top players around the globe and position us to acquire impact talent. We are grateful for the support of ownership and the contributions from various departments across Baseball Operations who make these signings possible.¡±

The current MLB International signing period, which began today, runs from January 15 through December 15, 2025.

Among today¡¯s signings is Cuban outfielder Kevin Alvarez, who is ranked by MLB.com as the number seven overall prospect in this year¡¯s international signing class.

¡°Alvarez¡¯s polished skillset stood out to us during the scouting process,¡± Rodgers said. ¡°His maturity and baseball IQ further separated him from his peers. We are thrilled to welcome Alvarez to the Astros and look forward to supporting him in his development.¡±

¡°Alvarez is a loose and flexible left-handed-hitting outfielder with above-average tools across the board,¡± Astros Senior Scouting Advisor Charlie Gonzalez said. ¡°He combines standout hit-ability with power at the plate, and his above-average arm and natural instincts make him a strong defender. ¡°His feel for the game, confidence, and outstanding baseball makeup make him an exciting addition to our organization.¡±

The Astros also signed Venezuelan outfielder Anthony Mill¨¢n and Dominican right-handed pitcher Omar Dami¨¢n.

¡°Mill¨¢n is a lean, athletic outfielder who shows the ability to consistently hit hard line drive to all fields, Astros Venezuela Scouting Supervisor Jose Palacios said. ¡°His plus speed makes him a constant threat on the basepaths, whether stretching singles into extra-base hits or stealing bases. Defensively, he¡¯s a natural centerfielder with great instincts and a strong arm making him an above-average defender. We are excited to welcome Mill¨¢n to the organization and look forward to supporting his development.¡±

¡°Dami¨¢n is a tall, lanky and highly projectable right-hander with advanced feel for his three-pitch mix,¡± Astros International Scouting Assistant Director Raymon Sanchez said. ¡°His precise command allows him to throw any pitch in any count, including an outstanding changeup that generates significant swing-and-miss. With his skillset and poise on the mound, Dami¨¢n has all the tools to develop as a starting pitcher, and we are excited to make him an Astro.¡±