2022 Bowman Chrome International Prospect Preview

International MLB Prospects We’re Hoping to See in 2022 Bowman Chrome Baseball

(Players below are listed in no particular order)

Written by: Titus Bishop and Emil Cienik

Cristhian Vaquero (OF-Nationals)

The poster boy for 2022 Bowman Chrome – Vaquero, aka “The Phenomenon” is sure to carry some massive hype for this product, and for good reason. The Nationals went all in on Vaquero this signing period, spending 95% of their cap to secure him. His tools draw many comparisons to a young Juan Soto as he already shows impressive potential on both the defensive and offensive sides of the field. Every single report mentions Vaquero’s high-energy style of play, continually showcasing a strong love and passion for the game.

Jaison Chourio (OF – Guardians)

We’ve been spoiled with brotherly prospecting these past couple years (the Acuna’s come to mind here) but the Chourio tandem is sure to make some noise as well. Jaison is the little brother of Milwaukee’s Jackson Chourio – one of the hottest minor league prospects of last season. Luckily for Guardians fans, Jaison is built similar to his brother and shows the same potential as a future stud. He had a great start to his professional career in the Dominican Summer League hitting .301/.471/.398 with 12 steals through his first 30 games. He projects as a top-of-the-order hitter and strong asset in center field.

William Bergolla (SS – Phillies)

Ranked as the No. 4 International Prospect of the 2022 Class, Bergolla wasted no time showing his monster potential as he hit .380/.470/.423 in his 24 games on the Phillies Dominican Summer League Team. This slash line is even more impressive as his plate discipline stood out the most, given the fact that he only stuck out 3 times. He projects to stick at shortstop with a strong defensive skillset and should continue his development stateside next season.

Samuel Munoz (1B – Dodgers)

Over the past couple years, the Dodgers went top-heavy, using a majority of their bonus pool on one or two top IFA’s. This year, they went for depth as they signed 14 different prospects but were still able to nab one of the top-ranked prospects in the #7 Samuel Munoz. Initially showcasing as an outfielder, Munoz improved his athleticism quickly and was able to move back to the infield where he may end up moving to third base eventually. Munoz projects as a high-power hitter as he fills out his large frame – his bat to ball skills were evident as he slashed .347/.429/.491 in 173 at-bats in the DSL this season.

Yanquiel Fernandez (OF – Rockies)

A 2019 International Signee alongside another Rockies top prospect Adael Amador, Yanquiel Fernandez crushed the DSL and had his first full season in the USA this year where he continued to make a name for himself with his offensive prowess. The 19 year-old showed legitimate power in A Ball with 21 bombs and over 50 XBH. He’ll stay in a corner outfield spot where he’ll let his bat carry him through what should be a quick climb through the ranks of the Rockies minor league system.

Alex De Jesus (SS – Blue Jays)

The ex-Dodger turned Blue Jay, Alex De Jesus was sent to Toronto in early August and made his ranking at #15 in the Jays Top Prospect List. He did sneak into Topps Pro Debut last year, but we’re still waiting on his 1st Bowman. It’s no question that De Jesus can hit for power, but what’s more impressive is his quick hands and how well he can hit the ball to the opposite field. In Low A, he hit the ball to the opposite field 38.7% of the time while pulling it 34.4% and going back up the middle 26.9%. If he can control his K%, De Jesus will be a force to be reckoned with at the plate.

Yordany De Los Santos (SS – Pirates)

With a $1.2MM signing, the Pirates landed the smooth-fielding shortstop Yordany De Los Santos. Projected to be one of the best fielders of this class, De Los Santos has made some swing adjustments over the past couple years giving him more power and more overall potential as a hitter. He is projecting as a middle-of-the-order bat that will be an asset at any position on the diamond.

Roderick Arias (SS – Yankees)

As the top rated signee in the 2022 International Class, the hype on Arias was already going to be insane. Add in the Yankees and you get what would likely be one of the top chases in the product. Arias’ bat got him to the top of the rankings, but the defense and speed make him the complete package. He struggled at the plate a bit in his injury shortened 2022 pro debut in the DSL, but all eyes will be on his impending stateside debut.

Yasser Mercedes (OF – Twins)

The talent here is very raw, but the upside is real. Yasser headlined an exciting Twins international class this year alongside Bryan Acuña. He shined in his DSL debut getting on base at a high clip and swiping 30 bags in 41 games. As a Twins fan, one can only dream that Mercedes and Acuña can continue on their current developmental track.

Ricardo Cabrera (SS – Reds)

Ranked as the #3 prospect in the 2022 International Class, Cabrera does a little bit of everything on the field. After signing for $2.7 million, the expectations will be high for Cabrera to develop into an everyday star for the Reds. A strong arm completes the five-tool package and should allow him to stay at SS unless he outgrows the position.

Anthony Gutierrez (OF – Rangers)

Still just 17 years old, Gutierrez has impressively already made his way stateside after splitting his first pro season between the DSL and Complex League. This sort of fast-track trajectory has the makings of a potential hobby darling as a great contact hitter with the upside of developing power.

Ryan Reckley (SS – Giants)

Don’t let the seemingly slow start to his career fool you. Reckley played just eleven games in his first pro season before an injury ended his campaign. The highly regarded shortstop could be a steal if collectors breeze past his name based on the initial slash line. Reckley profiles as a top of the lineup bat as a switch hitter with plus speed.

Eddinson Paulino (3B – Red Sox)

5’10” and 155 pounds doesn’t exactly scream power threat, but despite his size and the fact that he hit ZERO home runs in his first two pro seasons, Eddinson managed to be among the minor league leaders in XBH in 2022. He was also one of only four Red Sox prospects to top 50 XBH for the season. After signing for just $200k in 2018, Paulino has blossomed into one of the Red Sox top prospects and should command the attention of collectors.

Enmanuel Valdez (2B – Red Sox)

While some collectors will shy away form Valdez due to his age, he is a prospect that could have an immediate impact next year on a highly collectible team. Valdez was the key piece in the deadline deal for Christian Vazquez (and would likely be an Astro in Bowman Chrome) and his since been added to the Red Sox 40-Man Roster. With nearly 30 home runs in back-to-back seasons following the pandemic layoff, Valdez is ready to shine at Fenway.

Jonathan Mejia (SS – Cardinals)

Mejia will still be just 17-years-old when the 2023 season rolls around and slots in as one of the most exciting Cardinals infield prospects behind Walker/Winn. A switch-hitter with a strong arm, Mejia started off slow in his first pro season before catching fire and putting up a solid inaugural slash line. While he won’t be debuting in St. Louis anytime soon, there is plenty to be excited about here as he continue to develop and build upon his impressive raw power.

2022 Bowman Chrome Baseball has a lot going on, from veterans to rookies, prospects and prospect autographs, inserts and parallels! Hobby, hobby LITE and HTA Choice versions all have their own mix of card types and exclusives.

What to expect in a hobby box:

• Autographs – 2
• 2021 AFL Fall Stars – 2
• It Came to the League – 1
• Shades of Greatness – 4
• Shimmer Refractors – 1

Hobby LITE box:

• 2021 AFL Fall Stars – 1
• Shades of Greatness – 3
• Black and White Mini-Diamond Refractors – 5
• Shimmer Refractors – 1

HTA Choice box:

• Autographs – 3