The sport of baseball has always been popular in Latin America.

Some of the greatest players in baseball history have come from Latin American territories such as Cuba, Puerto Rico, Venezuela and many others. The Dominican Republic has been the leading Hispanic country in Major League Baseball in the 21st century, and now, the defending World Series champion Boston Red Sox are looking to reinvigorate their roster with several new Latino prospects.

The Red Sox have signed eight players during this international signing period for their minor league team. The list reads as follows:

1. Christopher Acosta- Dominican Republic

2. Elwin Tejeda- Dominican Republic

3. Anderson Espinoza- Venezuela

4. Luis Colmenares- Venezuela

5. Junior Espinoza- Venezuela

6. Roniel Raudes- Nicaragua

7. Jhsomar Cortez- Nicaragua

8. Nicolo Clemente- Italy

Clemente is a right-handed pitcher. He made history by becoming the first Italian to officially sign with the Boston Red Sox. Baseball is not viewed as a very popular sport in Italy, but talent can be found everywhere on Earth.

Seven of the eight players listed above all have one thing in common: they're pitchers. The only player who is not a pitcher is Dominican ballplayer Elwin Tejeda, who plays a third base and shortstop. Tejeda stands at 6-foot-2, 160 pounds and has a home in Davie, Florida.

Anderson Espinoza and Christopher Acosta are by far the two most notable players who were signed. According to Baseball America, Espinoza and Acosta are two of the top three international pitching prospects this year. Espinoza is a fastball pitcher, while Acosta has a more technical delivery. All of the players are 16 years old. It's no surprise that the Red Sox are putting so much emphasis on pitching. The team no longer has Jon Lester, and they are currently in last place in the American League East.

Nicaragua pitchers Roniel Raudes and Jhsomar Cortez will also be joining the team. Raudes is known for his excellent breaking ball, and Cortez's sinker is among the best for his young age. There is a good chance that Venezuelan right-hander Luis Colmenares will end up being a relief pitcher. More and more we are seeing Nicaraguans in Major League Baseball.

Espinoza and Acosta were both signed for a combined $3.3 million. All eight players are working out at the Red Sox’s practice facility in El Toro, Dominican Republic. There's a great chance that both will become big league starters one day.

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