Cardinals sign $2.3 million international outfielder on his birthday to jumpstart rebuild

Billy Heyen

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Cardinals sign $2.3 million international outfielder on his birthday to jumpstart rebuild image

The St. Louis Cardinals are heading toward a rebuild period.

That puts a spotlight on the moves they make with prospects, including on Thursday, when MLB's international signing window opened.

The Cardinals made an early splash with the news that they have signed Emanuel Luna, a teenage outfielder from the Dominican Republic.

MLB.com has reported the signing bonus for Luna is $2.3 million.

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Luna is already 6-foot-2 and 195 pounds, and he both bats and throws right-handed.

The best part: Thursday is his birthday. Luna signs on the day he turns 17.

"With that muscled up physique, it should come as no surprise that Luna boasts tons of raw power coiled up in his right-handed swing," MLB.com writes. "He consistently sprays the ball to all fields, all while showing balance and bat control. Few hitters in his class can match his advanced feel for hitting or strike-zone recognition, while he displays all of the top-tier traits as it pertains to approach at the dish. His biggest supporters believe there is even more to come at the plate in time as he continues to face advanced pitching and receives pro instruction."

The MLB scouting report goes on to say Luna is built like a football running back.

"He’s a solid defender whose arm stands out more for its accuracy than its strength, but he will make his money in the pro game with his bat and wheels," they write. "There’s definite 20/20 upside with the potential for more should all of his tools come together."

The Cardinals would certainly like to return to contention sooner than Luna's big league arrival. But if he develops as hoped, he could potentially arrive right on time to a team that has been turned around over the next few years.

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