International Deal to Watch: Jan 15, 2023 – MLB Trade Rumors

Major League Baseball’s 2023 international contract period officially began today, with many big names signing almost immediately. The team has long since had a verbal agreement with his newly qualified teenage player, and today’s signing largely represents confirmation of what was expected. Still, it’s a day of no small importance, especially for young men looking to launch their professional careers.

As previously mentioned, most of the agreement has been known for some time, with Baseball America’s Ben Badler and MLB.com’s Jesse Sanchez listing each player’s projected landing spot. The total bonus pool for each team and other information about the process can be found here. Here are some key deals:

• Ethan Salas, C., Venezuela — Padres ($5.6 million): Ranked as a front-runner by both Baseball America and the MLB Pipeline, the 16-year-old is considered by the MLB Pipeline to be: “One of the best prospects in recent history” and is highly regarded for his strike zone control, power and defense. The scout especially stands out for his swing and soft hand. Born in June 2006, Backstop is the youngest player in the MLB Pipeline’s Top 10 International Prospect Ranking. The young switch-hitter has his grandfather, father, and uncle all playing professionally, and his older brother familiar with high-level baseball. Jose Salas Salas’ $5.6 million contract makes up nearly all of the Padres’ base signature pool of $5.825,000.
• Fernin Celestine, SS, dominican republic — Mariners ($4.7MM): Celestine, the second best prospect in the MLB pipeline and the third best prospect in Baseball America, said, “Highest ceiling in international shortstop predictions in the last decade” by the MLB Pipeline. Scouts note the switch hitter’s plus speed, arm, and raw power.an aggressive approach When “Might need to be a more selective hitter.“
• brand meyer, of, Cuba — Yankees ($4.4MM): Baseball America’s second-best prospect and MLB pipeline’s ninth-best prospect, Maia has garnered accolades for his bat speed, power and approach to the plate, and one of the scouts is 17. said of him: as “mini Gary SheffieldScouts have praised the strength of his right arm, and some hope he will eventually move to a corner outfielder.
• Alfredo Duno, C., Venezuela — Reds (Unknown): The 4th best prospect in the MLB pipeline and the 7th best prospect in Baseball America, Duno is a 17-year-old catcher with above-average three tools (field, arm, power). Scout is his “elite bat speed” and defensive power. Both MLB Pipeline and Baseball America predict that Duno will stay behind the plate, but both cite his swing-and-miss tendencies as a result of his aggressive approach.
• Emmanuel Bonilla, of, dominican republic — blue jays ($4.1MM): Baseball America’s 4th-best prospect and MLB pipeline’s 7th-best Bonilla could stay in center field, but move to a corner position as the 16-year-old matures Profiled as a slugging outfielder who is likely to Scouts have praised his right-handed bat speed and swing, and Baseball America reports that some scouts believe Bonilla has.One of the best combinations of striking ability and power class. “
• Luis Morales, RHPs, Cuba — Athletics (Unknown): Morales, the fifth-best prospect in the MLB pipeline and ninth-best in Baseball America, has a 94-97 MPH fastball and uses sliders, changeups, and curveballs as sideballs. Hard throw right handed. Cuban-born Morales is considered Cuba’s best U-18 pitcher, and from 2019 to 2020 he set a record for strikeouts (161) in 82 2/3 innings. He defected in 2021 while playing for his Cuban U-23 team in Mexico. Morales, 20, is one of the oldest high-profile international prospects, so he could be quickly tracked through A’s system.
• Sebastian WalcottSS, Bahamas — Rangers (Unknown): Baseball America’s sixth-best prospect and MLB pipeline’s eighth-best prospect, Walcott is 6’3, 170 pounds (6’4, 190 pounds according to Baseball America). The 16-year-old has impressed scouts with high scores. power and bat speed. Despite being 6’3, Walcott has garnered praise for his contact skills, hand-eye coordination, and smooth swing. Baseball America predicts that as Walcott matures, he will grow beyond the shortstop position and transition to third base.

Several other reputable prospects have also secured bonuses of over $2 million. Details were provided by Sanchez.

• Brailer Guerrero, of, dominican republic, Raise ($3.7 million) [MLB Pipeline #12, BA #5]
• jesus hippopotamus, SS, dominican republic, Phillies ($3MM) [MLB Pipeline #11, BA #8]
• Ariel Castro, of, Cuba, twins ($2.5 million) [MLB Pipeline #11, BA#13]
• Rainer Arias, of, dominican republic, giants ($2.8MM) [MLB Pipeline #15, BA #8]
• Camilo Diaz, of, dominican republic, Astros ($2.25MM) [MLB Pipeline #17, BA #19]
• Luis Almeida, SS, dominican republic, Orioles ($2.3MM) [MLB Pipeline #20, BA #17]
• Robert Callas, of, dominican republic, rocky mountains ($2.5 million) [MLB Pipeline #24, BA #14]