A general view of Truist Park as the Atlanta Braves take on the Pittsburgh Pirates on September 10, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin D. Liles/Atlanta Braves/Getty Images)
Major League Baseball Pipeline’s No. 3 ranked international prospect, 17-year-old shortstop Jose Perdomo, will play for the Tiburones de La Guaira during the 2024-25 Liga Venezolana de Beisbol Profesional season, the club announced on their official Instagram account on Thursday.
Perdomo, a native of Venezuela, agreed to a $5 million bonus with the Atlanta Braves on Jan. 15, the same day the international signing period began. An international player can sign with a Major League Baseball organization until Dec. 15, 2024.
Jonathan Cruz, the director of Latin American scouting with the Atlanta Braves, compared Perdomo to New York Yankees’ second baseman, Gleyber Torres, but also told MLB.com’s Braves beat writer Mark Bowman that a veteran scout in the organization told him Perdomo reminds him of a young Miguel Cabrera.
“He said Perdomo looked like a young Miguel Cabrera, and that stuck with me,” Cruz told Bowman. “I started digging into old videos and talking to the scout who signed Cabrera. And, yeah, I think that is the closest, real comp for Perdomo.”
“I’m comfortable saying that. It’s a big name to compare him to – a future Hall of Famer. But the bat was… that’s what Miggy looked like,” Cruz told Bowman.
Perdomo has high expectations for a 17-year-old, but he will have ample time to mature into his body and improve his skills before he steps onto the dirt of Truist Park in Atlanta. Playing for the Tiburones de La Guaira this coming winter should help with that process. The 2024 Caribbean Series champions showcased their excitement for Perdomo on the team’s Instagram account.
“We are sure that Jose will be showcasing all his skills by wearing our shirt and further strengthening our team to continue harvesting titles in the coming seasons,” the Tiburones de La Guaira said in the caption of the announcement post.
So, what are Perdomo’s best skills and attributes?
Based on a brief video of Perdomo on MLB Pipeline.com, he is fundamentally sound at shortstop, using his legs and feet to help him make an easier throw to first base. Perdomo hits the ball to all parts of the field during batting practice and rotates his hips smoothly.
“If you’re looking for one of the best pure hitters in this class, look no further than Perdomo. The teen’s ball skills are above average, and he ranks among the best-hitting prospects in the class,” his MLB Pipeline bio reads. He rarely strikes out and always puts the ball in play. With plus runner potential, Perdomo could be a threat on the basepaths in the future.”
Nine players appeared at shortstop during the 2023-24 LVBP season for the Tiburones de La Guaira, with Miguel Rojas of the Los Angeles Dodgers leading the team with 19 games played at the position. Due to Perdomo’s young age, he may not receive significant playing time. Still, his experience and ability to learn from current and former MLB players could be valuable.