This week, 17-year-old French first baseman and outfielder Jordan Ouanyou officially signed with the Cincinnati Reds, marking a historic moment for French baseball.
Ouanyou first caught the attention of Major League Baseball scouts with his standout performance at the 2024 U18 European Championship, where he posted an impressive slash line of .421/.520/.684, along with one home run, five walks, and just two strikeouts. Following the tournament, he traveled to Arizona to join other international prospects for instructional games, further showcasing his potential.
His performance earned him an invitation to a workout with the Reds in the Dominican Republic, where he continued to impress. The result: an official contract with the organization.
Ouanyou will become the third French-born and French-developed position player to sign with a Major League Baseball organization and play in the minor leagues when he takes the field in the Dominican Summer League. This year he has hit .247/.356/.376 with two home runs while playing for the Lions de Savigny-sur-Orge in France’s top league.
Known for his plate discipline and strong defensive skills at first base, Ouanyou is set to begin his professional journey next week in the Dominican Summer League.
