The 2022-23 international signing period began on Sunday, and the Los Angeles Dodgers were plenty active despite having only $4,144,000 to spend, which is tied with the Texas Rangers for the lowest bonus pool in the Majors.
The Dodgers came to terms with 13 international amateur free agents, including Joendry Vargas (shortstop; Dominican Republic) and Arnaldo Lantigua (outfielder; Dominican Republic).
Daniel Mielcarek (shortstop; Dominican Republic), Erick Batista (pitcher; Dominican Republic), Luis Carias (pitcher; Venezuela), Harold Gonzalez (shortstop; Venezuela), Javier Herrera (shortstop; Venezuela), Anderson Jerez (pitcher; Dominican Republic), Elias Medina (shortstop; Dominican Republic), Samuel Sanchez (pitcher; Venezuela), Jesus Tillero (pitcher; Venezuela), Eduardo Quintero (catcher; Venezuela) and Robinson Ventura (pitcher; Venezuela) were signed as well.
Vargas is ranked No. 3 on MLB.com’s top-50 international prospects and the second rated infielder for the current class. He has received high marks for his five-tool potential and is considered one of the top hitters with a plus throwing arm.
Lantigua is MLB.com’s No. 23 ranked international prospect and the No. 10 outfielder in the 2022-23 international signing class. Considered one of the best power hitters, he gets praise for his hitting ability and exit velocities.
Vargas received a reported signing bonus of $2,080,000, while Lantigua ($700,000) and Mielcarek ($400,000) also got one. Every signing bonus over $10,000 counts against the bonus pool.
Of the Dodgers’ 13 additions on Day 1, the majority hail from Venezuela (seven). The other six prospects were signed out of the Dominican Republic. L.A. added six pitchers, five shortstops, one outfielder and one catcher.
Dodgers have strong history with international signing period
Prior to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic impacting MLB, the international signing period traditionally opened on July 2 and ran through June 15 of the following year. This year’s period will conclude on December 15.
The Dodgers have been aggressive in signing international talent under the Guggenheim ownership group, adding the likes of Diego Cartaya, Jose Ramos, Hyun-il Choi, Eddys Leonard, Jorbit Vivas, Edwin Uceta, Erisbel Arruebarrena, Yadier Alvarez, Yordan Alvarez, Yusniel Diaz, Oneil Cruz and Keibert Ruiz over the years.
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