
According to a report from Evan Petzold of the Detroit Free Press, on Wednesday, the Detroit Tigers made waves in the baseball world by securing Cris Rodriguez, a 16-year-old outfielder from the Dominican Republic, to a franchise-record $3.2 million bonus.
This historic signing marks a significant step forward for the Tigers as they look to build up their international presence and strengthen their minor league system. The team’s willingness to invest in Rodriguez’s future speaks volumes about their belief in his potential to become a key piece of the organization.

What the Tigers See in Rodriguez
Rodriguez is an imposing figure, standing 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing 203 pounds. He’s already developed a strong, athletic frame that scouts believe will only improve with time. According to assistant general manager Rob Metzler, the Tigers' front office is highly impressed by Rodriguez’s physical ability and his projection as a future star.
“The physical ability we believe to be special,” Metzler said. “We love the bat speed, the power, the bat path. We love the athleticism, the frame, the natural projection. I'd follow that up by saying we feel strongly about the kid. Work ethic, character, aptitude we believe to be pluses. That's what he's shown us over a significant amount of time. We're excited to be able to sign him.”
Rodriguez’s skill set is one of the main reasons he’s ranked as the No. 4 overall prospect in Baseball America’s top-100 list for the 2025 class. The Tigers see him as a player with a rare combination of power, bat speed, and athleticism, which will be key as he progresses through the organization.
Rodriguez’s Next Steps
After signing the deal, Rodriguez is expected to compete in the Dominican Summer League (DSL) during the 2025 season. This will serve as his first official experience in a professional setting, where he will work to refine his skills and continue to develop his potential. With his raw talent and strong foundation, Rodriguez could quickly become one of the top prospects in the Tigers’ system.
The Big Picture: The Tigers’ Commitment to the Future
This signing not only represents a significant financial commitment but also a long-term investment in the Tigers' future. By securing one of the top international prospects in the 2025 class, the Tigers have added a big piece to their minor league system and developing homegrown talent that could make a significant impact in the majors in the years to come.
Rodriguez’s signing is part of a larger strategy by the Tigers’ front office to focus on young, dynamic talent with high ceilings. With the resources being poured into international scouting, Detroit is setting itself up for sustained success.