Breaking down the Top 30 International Prospects list

Kevin Maitan did not just suddenly appear on the radar for international scouts. He’s been on it for three years — and he only turned 16 in February.

So it’s really no surprise that the superlatives fly in when Maitan’s name is mentioned in international scouting circles. Scouts and front-office executives describe him as athletic, big, strong and talented. They compare him to a young Miguel Cabrera and Chipper Jones, and other established Major League stars.

The switch-hitting teenage shortstop from Venezuela has long been considered the top prospect for the international class of 2016, but now it’s official. Maitan is ranked No. 1 on MLB.com’s list of Top 30 International Prospects for 2016.

This year’s Top 30 International Prospects list includes 14 players from the Dominican Republic, 10 from Venezuela, five from Cuba and one from Mexico. The positions break down like this: eight outfielders, 17 infielders, three pitchers and two catchers.

Top International Prospects Rank Player Position   1 Kevin Maitan SS   2 Vladimir Gutierrez RHP   3 Luis Almanzar SS   4 Lazaro Armenteros OF   5 Gabriel Arias SS   6 Alfredo Rodriguez SS   7 Luis Garcia SS   8 Freudis Nova SS   9 Jeison Rosario OF   10 Jonathan Machado OF   Complete Top 30 list

The best athletes at premium positions are the most appealing to international scouts. Six of the top eight and a total of 14 prospects play shortstop. There are only three pitchers on the list in part because most pitching prospects throw between 86 and 90 mph and it’s more difficult for scouts to predict who will break out.

The list also reflects the impact of Cuban players. Four of the top 10 and five of the top 13 are from Cuba.

Many evaluators believe Cuban right-handed pitcher Vladimir Gutierrez, ranked No. 2, could have an immediate impact on a big league club. Gutierrez, who turns 21 in September, throws a fastball in the low-to-mid 90s and a plus curveball. He was Rookie of the Year in Cuba’s Serie Nacional during the 2013-14 season and is not afraid of the big stage.

Fellow Cuban prospect Lazarito Armenteros, ranked No. 4, became eligible to sign in February, and he remains one of the most intriguing and impressive prospects on the international market despite some off-field distractions that included a change in representation after his former agent allegedly received a death threat.

Back in the Dominican Republic, shortstop Luis Almanzar, ranked No. 3, is a strong-hitting infielder who has some experience playing in the United States. He makes a strong case as the top teenage player from the D.R. in this year’s class. Venezuelan infielder Gabriel Arias, a …

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