Vladimir Guerrero celebrates nephew's deal with White Sox
Baseball clearly runs deep in the Guerrero family's blood.
Of the six international prospects the Chicago White Sox signed Saturday - the opening day of Major League Baseball's 2016-17 international signing period - perhaps the most noteworthy name to ink a deal with the South Siders was 16-year-old Josue Guerrero - nephew of former AL MVP Vladimir. The future Hall of Famer was quick to celebrate his nephew's accomplishment on social media.
Another member of my family sign with a @MLB's team. My nephew Josue signed today with @whitesox. Thanks God! pic.twitter.com/8RNqcQGdhk
— Vladimir Guerrero (@VladGuerrero27) July 2, 2016
Josue, the No. 33 international prospect according to Baseball America's top 50 international prospects list, received a $1.1-million bonus from the White Sox, who compared him quite favorably to his nine-time All-Star uncle.
"He is a very similar player to his uncle at this same age in terms of his physical makeup, his body, his swing, his tools," special assistant to the general manager of international operations Marco Paddy said in a statement. "I think ... he has a chance to be a very special player."
Josue is just the latest in a growing list of young Guerrero men to join a professional organization. His 22-year-old brother, Gabriel, was recently promoted to Triple-A by the Diamondbacks, while his 17-year-old cousin Vladimir Jr. is a highly regarded talent in the Blue Jays organization. They follow in the footsteps of both the legendary Vladimir Sr. and his 449 career homers, as well as Vladimir's brother Wilton, an eight-year big-league veteran.
Watch: Vlad Guerrero Jr. hits 1st pro HR in front of dad
The White Sox also signed Dominican outfielders Luis Mieses and Anderson Comas, BA's No. 36 and 37-ranked international prospects, respectively.