/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/50010383/usa-today-8719602.0.jpg)
The Houston Astros have made some moves on the opening day of International signing in Major League Baseball. Most notably the Astros have picked up top-10 Dominican shortstop Freudis Nova. Joining Nova is Venezuelan shortstop Yorbin Ceuta, Venezuelan right-handed pitcher Angel Macuare, Dominican catcher Nerio Rodriguez, Dominican Jeury Castillo, Venezuelan right-handed pitcher Jairo Solis, and Dominican Deury Carrasco.
MLB.com's Jesse Sanchez notes:
The 6-foot-1, 175-pound Nova is known for his strong and athletic body. He has a good arm with soft hands and playable range on defense. He is considered an offensive-minded player who shows good bat speed and features a slight uppercut swing.
MLB.com ranked Nova as their No. 8 overall international prospect. Baseball America ranked Nova as their No. 5 overall prospect. Cueta checked in at No.11, Macuare at No. 40, and Rodriguez at No. 43.
The figures have also been released but unconfirmed by the Astros. Nova signed for $ 1.2 million, Ceuta for $1 million, Macuare for $695,000, Carrasco for $480,000, and Solis for $450,000. The total singing total is well over the Astros poll of $2,197,000 -- the Astros will be required to pay a 100 percent tax on the overage and be barred from signing players for over $300,000 for the next two signing periods.