After receiving offers from multiple teams, Yoanis Aleksandrov has signed a professional contract with the Chicago Cubs, becoming the first Bulgarian to sign with a Major League organization.
As reported by mister-baseball.com, the 17-year-old Aleksandrov was recently included in Perfect Game’s inaugural European prospect rankings, with the powerfully built outfielder and catcher, who has also worked from the mound, included in the scouting service’s Top 10.
According to the Bulgarian Baseball and Softball Federation, Aleksandrov’s suitors also included the Cubs’ cross-city rivals Chicago White Sox, the Boston Red Sox, and also the Washington Nationals.
Aleksandrov’s prospect credentials were on show at last year’s Federation Cup qualifying tournament in Bratislava. Playing for the Sofia Blues, Aleksandrov hit three homers in just 14 at-bats, with five of his six hits at the competition (two doubles accompanied his three homers) going for extra bases.
Aleksandrov started playing baseball in Nettuno, Italy, one of Europe’s baseball strongholds, where he lived as a youngster, before returning to his native Bulgaria.
Aleksandrov is the fourth European talent to sign a professional contract with a Major League organization this year, joining Germany’s Lou Helmig (Philadelphia Phillies), Russia’s Enrike Sevilya (Los Angeles Dodgers), and Spain’s Peter Bonilla (Los Angeles Dodgers).
First look at Yoanis in his #Cubs gear 🙌🏼 pic.twitter.com/NwMnFwXeCo
— Cubs Zone ™️ (@CubsZone) March 29, 2022