18-year-old Dutch RHP Arij Fransen signs with Cincinnati Reds

18-year-old Dutch right-hander Arij Fransen is signing with the Cincinnati Reds organization. The reliever of HCAW won the U18 European Championship with the Netherlands last year. He started his baseball career as a 3-year-old with HSV The Eagles in Deventer. Through Robur’58 and Scimitars he joined HCAW. He debuted in the Hoofdklasse on April 11.

The Reds have a history with Dutch players. Currently Chadwick Tromp, Carlton Daal, Hendrik Clementia and Jonathan Willems are playing in the Cincinnati Reds organization. Didi Gregorius, who is currently rehabbing an elbow injury with the New York Yankees, also started his pro career with the Reds.