Hector

Mendoza

Mendoza turns 23 years old on March 3 and will become exempt from international spending rules, essentially making him an unrestricted free agent. The young right-hander worked as a closer for Isla de la Juventud of Cuba’s Serie Nacional, but Ben Badler of Baseball America says he has the repertoire to make it as a starter in the majors. He should draw bids from a range of clubs this spring.

Mendoza worked as a closer during his final two seasons (2013-2014) in Cuba’s Serie Nacional, though there’s some thought that he now has the repertoire to be a starting pitcher at age 23. Baseball America ranked him the No. 12 prospect in Cuba back in 2015. The right-hander will likely report to one of the Cardinals’ Low-A affiliates to begin his pro career.