The Braves are making their presence felt on the first day international prospects can sign, loading their Minor League system with several top international prospects, including top teenage infielder Kevin Maitan for $4.25 million, according to industry sources.
In addition to Maitan, the Braves agreed to terms with catcher Abrahan Gutierrez, ranked No. 18 on MLB.com's Top 30 International Prospects list, for $3.5 million; shortstop Yunior Severino, ranked No. 19, for $1.9 million; shortstop Yenci Pena, ranked No. 22, for $1 million and infielder Livan Soto, ranked No. 24, for $1 million. The club also agreed with right-handed pitcher Guillermo Zuniga of Colombia for $350,000 and right-handed pitcher Juan Contreras.
The Braves have not confirmed the deals.
Maitan, the switch-hitting teenage shortstop from Venezuela, has long been considered the top prospect for the international class of 2016. He is considered a sound defensive player and has displayed good range in both directions. He has one of the best arms in the class and good approach at the plate.
He could end up at third base.
Top Int'l Prospects: Gutierrez
Top International Prospects: Abrahan Gutierrez, C
2016 MLB.com Top International Prospects: Abrahan Gutierrez is a good receiver with solid defensive skills behind the plate
In accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement, each team is allotted a $700,000 base and a bonus pool with four slot values based on the team's record in 2015 for the international signing period, which started on Saturday. Atlanta's overall pool total for this year's signing period is $4,766,000, which means the signings will thrust them into the maximum penalty.
Teams that exceed the pools by 0-5 percent have to pay a 100 percent tax. Teams that exceed the pools by 5-10 percent are not allowed to sign a player for more than $500,000 during the next signing period, and they have to pay a 100 percent tax on the pool overage. Teams that exceed the pools by 10-15 percent are not allowed to sign a player for more than $300,000 during the next signing period, and they have to pay a 100 percent tax on the pool overage.
In the most severe penalty -- such as the Braves this period -- teams that exceed the pool by 15 percent or more are not allowed to sign a player for more than $300,000 during the next two signing periods, and they must pay a 100 percent tax on the pool overage.
Jesse Sanchez is a national reporter for MLB.com based in Phoenix. Follow him on Twitter @JesseSanchezMLB and Facebook. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
0 commentaires:
Enregistrer un commentaire