Rays sign 16-year old RHP Daury Cordero

Here's a signing that went under the radar last week: The Tampa Bay Rays signed free agent 16 year old RHP Daury Cordero out of San Cristobal, Dominican Republic to a minor league contract on February 18, 2016.

Born 7/18/1999, Cordero won't be 17 for another five months. He immediately becomes the youngest pitcher in the entire Rays organization, but not the youngestp layer; prospect Roberto Alvarez is 10 days younger.

From what we've been told, Cordero trained with Basilio Vizcaino ("Cachaza"), who previously worked with some high profile names like Alex Reyes (STL), Franmil Reyes (SD), Franklin Reyes (CWS) and Raul A. Mondesi (KC).

Codero's velocity has already been tracked up to 92 mph and he projects as a starter with a three-pitch mix, which is significant, granted that he's only been pitching for a few months after converting from shortstop.

Still, from what we've heard, Cordero has shown a good feel for pitching in limited time on the mound. He's got a projectable body with the sort of athleticism that you should get excited about. So get hyped for his... 2026 debut?

Not much else is known about Daury Cordero, although there is a good chance this is his twitter account:

Yesterday!! ✌ ️ pic.twitter.com/0fIqAtfQ9h

— Daury Cordero (@dauryarcher18) January 25, 2016

That account was one of the very few things that came up when googling his name. The boy looks like he fits the bill. Cordero (which is Spanish for "lamb") is listed at 6' 3" and 181 lbs.

If the account is him, Cordero would appear to be a huge Chris Archer fan, given his twitter handle of (@dauryarcher18) and who he follows (Archer). It would be interesting to know if the opportunity to play for the same organization as Archer factored into his signing.

The Dominican Summer League seems like the obvious fit for the rookie's first assignment this year.

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Bradley Neveu contributed to this article.

Update: a previous version of this article listed Cordero as the youngest player in the organization. He is the youngest pitcher in the organization.