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We are just a little over a week away from the international signing period beginning January 15th and ending December 15th. How it works is simple – teams are assigned a bonus pool based on a several different factors. To learn more about the mechanics behind how Major League Baseball assigns that pool can be found here. The Atlanta Braves will have $6,261,600 to spend. Players that sign for less than $10,000 are not counted against the pool.
The Braves made a couple big signings last year grabbing two of the top talents available, outfielder Diego Tornes and pitcher Raudy Reyes. Diego was considered one of the top prospects available, entering the season with true five tool potential. Diego appeared in 32 games in the Dominican Summer League hitting .279/.395/.402 while being just 16 years of age. Scouts and Braves management raved about his tools and his overall potential on the field.
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Raudy, however, was a slightly lesser talked about international prospect who burst onto the scene later thanks to his massive arm – hitting 103 MPH on the radar gun while being just 16 years of age. The Braves gambled on the enormous upside of that pitch, and his slider that goes along with it. Raudy appeared in 9 games where he accumulated a 3.67 ERA and 11.67 K/9 rate along with a 9.67 BB/9 rate. Raudy comfortably sat 99+ throughout the season and excited Braves coaches.
All that being said, it’s not just the big bonus guys that make the splashes as Didier Fuentes, who made his major league debut last season, was signed for just $75,000 while highly rated John Gil was signed for $110,000. Jhancarlos Lara, a name that grew in popularity last year because of his big arm, was signed for just $10,000. Scouts around the world work countless hours to identify these players from everywhere around the world so let’s take a look at a couple of the players the Braves are rumored to be linked to.
Reminder that the period has not begun so these are still unofficial and we will update once they are confirmed.
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Jose Manon, SS
Jose is the highest rated player the Braves are linked to, as he comes in at 15th overall according to MLB Pipeline, and 28th overall according to Baseball America. Jose is considered to have a good hit tool, with good power for the position (should he be able to stay there). He doesn’t have the greatest arm for short, yet, so there is a chance he has to move. Jose also possesses potentially slightly above average speed, providing a good athlete for the Braves to develop.
Jose is expected to sign for around $1.5M
Starling De La Cruz, CF
Starling is unranked according to MLB Pipeline but comes in at 38th overall for Baseball America. After talking with a couple of international scouts there is a lot to like about the upside for Starling. While he is on the shorter side, Starling possesses excellent bat speed, and is very good at recognizing breaking pitches already. While he will hit for average, thanks to his good hit tool, there is belief that his power will develop and he has potential to be another premium athlete in center. Starling also has plus speed which he fully utilizes in the field where he profiles to be a premium defensive centerfielder. One scout I spoke with compared his talent and skills to the Braves very own Michael Harris II.
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Starling is expected to sign for around $1.2M
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