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Catcher Ethan Salas signed with the Padres on Sunday to headline the list of MLB signings released on the first day of the 2023 international signing period.

Salas signs $5.6 million bonus confirmed by his agencythe largest given to international amateurs during the hard cap bonus pool era.
According to MLB Pipeline’s Jesse Sanchez, shortstop Fernin Celesten, MLB Pipeline’s second international prospect, has agreed to a deal with the Mariners.
Another shortstop and third pick, Joendry Vargas, has agreed to a deal with the Dodgers, according to Sanchez.
Elian Soto (brother of Padres star Juan Soto) and Pablo Guerrero (son of Vladimir Guerrero) signed with the Nationals and Rangers respectively.

Who is eligible to sign?

Any amateur player aged 16 or older who resides outside the United States, Canada, or Puerto Rico and who has not attended high school in an MLB Draft country in the past year (players from the United States, Canada, or Puerto Rico are eligible for the MLB Draft). The player must be 17 years old by September 1, 2023 (for this period, Must be born between September 1, 2005 and August 31, 2006).

Usually the majority of players signed at this point come from the Dominican Republic, Venezuela and Cuba. Often young Venezuelan and Cuban players complete his training amateurs in the Dominican Republic, making this island nation’s baseball trainer arguably the most important player in the international signing ecosystem. — Torres

When is the signature deadline for players during this period?

The deadline for signatures is December 15, ie one month before the next international signature period begins. Prior to the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, his annual signing period began on July 2nd and ended on June 2nd for him the following year.

Most teams have already allocated most of their bonus money by the time the period begins. As such, it’s common for teams to announce nearly the entire signing class on the start date of the period or a few days after the period. — Torres

How much can a team spend?

This year’s bonus pool is between $4.14 million and $6.37 million.Dodgers and Rangers Spend the least amount in the period of A, Brewers, Mariners, Marlins, Raise, RedsTigers, twins have the most Here are the amounts each team has at its disposal: MLB.com:

$6,366,900: A, Brewers, Mariners, Marlins, Rays, Reds, Tigers, Twins

$5,825,500: diamondbacksGuardians, Orioles, Padres, pirate, rocky mountains, royals

$5,284,000: Astros, blue jaysBraves, cardinals, cubs, giants, Mets, nationals, white socks, Yankees

$4,644,000: angel, Phillies, Red Sox

$4,144,000: Dodgers, Rangers

Teams can overspend if they sign players for $10,000 or less. These small bonuses do not count towards the overall bonus pool. — Torres

What Sarath Brings to the Padres

Salas has been one of the most talked about young catchers in the international space in recent years. He comes from a long line of pro-his players, including his younger brother Jose, who is a prospect in his Marlins system. According to MLB.com, Salas’ athleticism is best shown behind the plate, an excellent receiver with a strong ability to block the ball.

He’s also a strong contender for the hit as he’s climbing the Padres’ farm system. Teenage catchers signed as international free agents often struggle to be successful on both offense and defense, but Salas’ belief is. — Torres

What Celestine brings to the Mariners

A reviewer speaking to Baseball America praised Celestine’s advanced batting skills. A switch hitter, his swing is smooth on both sides of the plate. He also has above-average power for a 16-year-old to flaunt. As he grows, he’s expected to fill out his 6-foot-1, 178-pound frame, and more power could come.

With a system that recently produced American League Rookie of the Year Julio Rodriguez, it’s not hard to imagine Celesten cementing himself as a shortstop and joining Seattle’s top order in the not too distant future. — Torres