Ismael Cruz, the vice president of international scouting for the Dodgers, has achieved a remarkable milestone this week. He won the highly prestigious Tony Gwynn Award at Baseball America, a lifetime achievement award that recognizes his exceptional contributions to the field. With a quarter century of scouting experience under his belt, Cruz joined the Dodgers nine years ago after stints with the Expos/Nationals (2001-05), Mets (2006-11), and Blue Jays (2012-15). His leadership has been instrumental in positioning the Dodgers to access the top talent around the world, not just in Latin America. As Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman attests, "In an area of the game where relationship building through trust and consistency is so important, I can't think of anyone who has a better track record of doing that than Ish. His openness to learning and improving allows our organization to keep progressing."

Unraveling the Dodgers' International Scouting Legacy with Ismael Cruz

Ismael Cruz's Scouting Journey

Ismael Cruz's scouting journey is a testament to his dedication and expertise. Having spent over a quarter of a century in the field, he has honed his skills and developed a keen eye for talent. His stints with different teams have exposed him to a diverse range of scouting environments, allowing him to bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the Dodgers. From his early days with the Expos/Nationals to his more recent tenure with the Mets and Blue Jays, Cruz has continuously refined his scouting methods and strategies. His ability to build relationships based on trust and consistency has been crucial in identifying and acquiring top talent for the Dodgers.

The Impact of the Tony Gwynn Award

The Tony Gwynn Award holds significant meaning for Ismael Cruz. As a people's person and a player who was loved by all, Tony Gwynn's legacy serves as an inspiration for Cruz. Winning this award not only recognizes his lifetime achievements but also reflects his values and approach to scouting. It is a testament to his ability to connect with players and build strong relationships, which is essential in the world of international scouting. Cruz's success with the Dodgers is a direct result of his commitment to excellence and his unwavering dedication to finding the best talent available.

Dodgers' International Signing Strategies

With the 2025 international signing period not starting until January 15, the Dodgers had to turn to contingency plans to utilize the remaining bonus pool space. Francys Romero reported on the various players signed by the Dodgers ahead of Sunday's final day of the signing period. The Dodgers officially signed 7 players before the conclusion of the 2023-24 international signing period, including DRRHP Cesar Sanchez, RHP Samuel Saviñon ($225K), INF Antoni Ureña, INF Hendry Arvelo, RHP Shai Romero ($200K), LHP Aneudy Almonte ($50K), and VENRHP Alexis Reyes. These signings demonstrate the Dodgers' continued efforts to strengthen their international scouting efforts and build a competitive team. Each player brings unique skills and potential, and Cruz's expertise in identifying and developing talent will play a crucial role in their development.