International free-agency push nets two prospects
MLB Pipeline rates Venezuelan Salas 10th overall, Sanchez No. 24
For the the Miami splash in agency.
After second straight year, Marlins have made a international free
inking
the
top-rated prospect last season, Miami landed two of the top 25 players as the official signing period began Tuesday.
MLB Pipeline’s 10th overall prospect — shortstop Jose Salas of Venezuela — headlines the 11-player signing class. The 16-year-old’s deal is worth $2.8 million, per MLB.com. In addition, Dominican Republic shortstop Junior Sanchez — No. 24 overall — signed
$1.15 million.
Miami landed five players from Venezuela, three from the Dominican Republic, two from Panama and one from the Bahamas. By position, the Marlins went heavy on shortstops (five), along with four right-handed pitchers and two outfielders.
Unlike major-league free agency, there’s a hard salary cap for
areported
for international prospects every season. The Marlins are allotted $5,939,000 since they have a Competitive Balance Round A pick in the MLB draft.
The salary pool resets every year, so teams can’t carry over unspent money.
Under its new ownership group, led by Bruce Sherman and Derek Jeter, the Marlins have placed a greater emphasis on the international market. Led by international scouting director Fernando Seguinol, Miami landed last year’ No. 1 player in Cuban outfielder Victor Victor Mesa as well as his younger brother Victor Mesa Jr.
By signing two of the top 25 players, the Marlins have carried that focus in the 2019 signing
period.
“Salas’ impressive bat speed and strike-zone recognition cause him to stand out as the most advanced hitter in his class,” per MLB Pipeline’s scouting report. “The shortstop is a linedrive hitter now, but his power is expected to increase as he matures and his above-average speed could eventually turn him into a 30-30 player.
“Salas’ lean frame and natural athleticism project well defensively too. Salas is a solid defender now with an arm that flashes plus at times. As he continues to develop, some scouts feel Salas will turn into a plus defender in the Majors.”
In Sanchez, Miami landed another highlytouted shortstop with strong hitting ability.
“The 16-year-old has a medium frame with wide shoulders and lean body that will fill out in the future,” per MLB Pipeline. “At the plate, the shortstop shows plus bat speed with good timing, rhythm and a mature approach when he’s in the batter’s box. He has a gift for barreling up balls and has a strike zone
Marlins signings
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■ awareness that’s his teenage years.
“He hits line drives to all fields and his power is starting beyond to show. He’s expected to add more strength once he signs with a team and his body continues to develop.”