The Los Angeles Dodgers’ farm system has garnered plenty of notoriety from national media recently, which of course is a testament to the club’s recent success in drafting. However, the Dodgers have also been active in international market.
That has been particularly true during the current international signing period that began last July. Los Angeles went well beyond their bonus pool money to sign the likes of 19-year-old Cuban right-hander Yadier Alvarez, Cuban outfielder Yusniel Diaz, and Dominican outfielder Starling Heredia and shortstop Ronny Brito, among several others.
The Dodgers also believed to have reached an agreement with Yaisel Sierra on a six-year contract that is expected to be finalized once paperwork issues are resolved.
Facing spending limitations over the next two international signing periods, with the first beginning July 2, the Dodgers are looking to add Lazaro “Lazarito” Armenteros to their haul.
The 16-year-old Cuban outfielder reportedly was nearing a decision to sign with a team earlier this week. However, that no longer appears to be the case, according to Jesse Sanchez of MLB.com:
Lazarito's agent Charles Hairston says player is not close to a decision. New teams in the mix for July 2 & he's still considering (1/3)
— Jesse Sanchez (@JesseSanchezMLB) February 12, 2016
signing during the current period. (2/3)
— Jesse Sanchez (@JesseSanchezMLB) February 12, 2016
“For a 16 year-old, it’s easy to want to just play ball. But he wants to do what’s best for his family. He’s being very mature.”(3/3)
— Jesse Sanchez (@JesseSanchezMLB) February 12, 2016
After establishing residency in Haiti, Major League Baseball declared Armenteros a free agent in January. That made him eligible to sign with a club as early as Feb. 10.
Armenteros hit .462 with nine home runs, five triples, three doubles and eight RBIs in nine games for Cuba at the U15 Baseball World Cup in Mexico. Spearheading Cuba’s championship run, he was named to the all-tournament team.
Should Armenteros elect to sign once the 2016 international signing period begins, it would essentially eliminate the Dodgers as an conceivable option, given their $300,000 signing bonus limit on pool-eligible prospects over the next two years.
