Mets sign 20 international free agents, including three of top 50
The Mets’ brass has been busy over the last few days while in the Dominican Republic.
After attending the graduation ceremony for the team’s Dominican Academy on Saturday, New York has signed three of MLB Pipeline’s top 50 international free agents this period as part of Monday’s International Signing Day.
The three players are catcher Yovanny Rodriguez (ranked No. 6), shortstop Yensi Rivas (No. 31) and outfielder Edward Lantigua (No. 41). The Mets did not officially sign shortstop Raymel Ortiz (No. 26).
Rodriguez signed a $2.85 million signing bonus (fifth-highest in franchise history), Lantigua received a $950,000 signing bonus and Rivas got a $500,000 bonus.
In addition to signing those three, the Mets have signed another 17 players (eight infielders, six outfielders, four pitchers and two catchers) for a total of 20 new prospects.
Among the signings is outfielder/first baseman Vladi Miguel Guerrero who is the son of former MLB player and current Hall of Famer Vladimir Guerrero Sr. and the brother of current MLB player on the Toronto Blue Jays and three-time All-Star, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Like his dad and brother, the 17-year-old Guerrero is known for his power. Unlike his dad and brother, however, Guerrero hits from the left side.
But if the newest Guerrero to enter professional baseball turns out to be anything like his dad and/or brother, who have hit 579 home runs between the two of them, the Mets will be extremely happy.
Here's a full list of the players signed:
Yovanny Rodriguez - C (No. 6)
Yensi Rivas - INF (No. 31)
Edward Lantigua - OF (No. 41)
Leandy Mella - INF
Bohan Adderley - INF/OF
Vladi Guerrero - OF/INF
Luis Montero - LHP
Maxgregori Harvey - RHP
Angel De La Rosa - LHP
Leyvi Rodriguez - RHP
Anthony Delgado - OF
Fidel Pinango - INF/OF
Jonnhan Sanchez - OF
Josmir Reyes - C
Leiner Ramirez - INF
Rocky Solano - OF
Starling Fernandez - INF
Roybert Herrera - INF/OF
Diover De Aza - INF
Franklin Candelario - OF
