[raysfan6]

The time has come for international free agency. Daniel Rodriguez has been scouting all over the world for the next crop of youth talent, something I’m looking to improve upon in the organization. We’ve signed the following players:

17 year old CF Alfredo Urbina was born in Venezuela. This young man’s swing is a thing of beauty and projects to be one of the best pure hitters of his generation. He projects to be among the best in baseball at working the count and drawing walks. He can impact the game with his wheels on the base. Urbina is projected to be an elite starting center fielder. Signed for $2.2 million.

17 year old left fielder Anthony Otten was born in the Netherlands. Otten has excellent patience at the plate and picks pitches he can handle. Not quite elite, but his hitting tool projects well thanks to his ability to spray line drives to the whole field. His pure speed grades out as a plus. Otten has the potential to develop into a big league regular for the bulk of his career. Signed for $1.9 million.

16 year old shortstop Jose Barrera was born in the Dominican Republic. He has improving pitch recognition, and may make consistent contact. He has the strength to put a charge in the baseball and hit an above average number of dingers, His defense as a shortstop is adequate, and he may see a move to second base. Barrera projects to be an above average big league shortstop. Signed for $900k.

16 year old center fielder Manny Gonzalez was born in the Dominican Republic. He is a young player with above average power potential. His speed grades out as above average. He needs to improve his pitch selection and understand game situations and counts to be anything more than an average contact hitter. Gonzalez can be a second division starter at center field. Signed for $350k.

17 year old right handed pitcher Sal Agredano was born in the Dominican Republic. His 6’4’ presence on the mound is an intimidating sight for hitters. When he is fully developed, his repertoire should include a nasty slider and an off the charts fastball. Everyone raves about his big-time stuff. Agredano has the potential for high-leverage late-inning duties. Signed for $160k.

The IAFA class of 2025 excites me, especially Urbina. He could potentially be the best center fielder in baseball one day. Having him followed by Otten in the lineup one day would make me happy. Barrera and Gonzalez could man our future middle infield, and Agredano could be our future closer. This is, however, if it all pans out.