MLB investigating age of Mets signee from 2023 international signing period: report
The age of a Mets signee from the 2023 international signing period is reportedly under investigation by Major League Baseball.
According to a report by The Athletic, several teams recently learned that players they either have agreements with or were interested in were older than they previously believed. The Mets, Astros, Royals, Twins and Athletics are reportedly those teams.
The Mets declined to comment when approached by The Athletic.
The Atheltic notes that according to those familiar with baseball's international signings, identity and age fraud in the Dominican Republic is on the rise. This is evident by deals that players had in place for the 2024 signing period, which began Jan. 15, falling apart because MLB or a team became suspicious about their age.
Players who have already signed or agreed to a future deal can face MLB-issued suspensions if found their identity or age has been falsified.
Earlier in January, the Mets signed 20 international free agents but did not officially sign shortstop Raymel Ortiz. Michael Marino reported that a deal between Ortiz, MLB Pipeline's No. 26 international prospect in the 2024 class, and the Mets fell through because of player age falsification.
