The long-awaited signing of Venezuelan shortstop prospect Jose Perdomo by the Atlanta Braves is set to take place today. According to Ben Badler of Baseball America, Perdomo received a $5 million signing bonus, which makes it the most in the club’s history and the largest among the 2024 class. As of yet, the Braves have not verified any signings. Ronald Acuna Jr. is the Braves’ most renowned major leaguer, but they have regularly turned to Venezuela for their best players. In recent classes, they have also awarded substantial incentives to Abrahan Gutierrez, Diego Benitez, Douglas Glod, Luis Guanipa, and Kevin Maitan.
For the past few years, Perdomo has been a highly anticipated signing; even if he may have since moved up in the prospect rankings, Perdomo remains highly anticipated. Given how well he has improved defensively as an amateur, many scouts now think he can remain at shortstop, a position that is underrepresented in the Braves’ small farm system. As he developed enough physicality to project to average power and received accolades and above-average to plus projected grades even as a youth, Perdomo’s main tool is his contact skills. Being one of the few position player prospects with impact potential, he instantly joins a select group of Braves prospects.
Perdomo should be anticipated to play in the Dominican Summer League this summer when it commences play in June, as has been the path for prior signees. Since Maitan in 2015, Perdomo has been the Braves’ best international addition, and as a 16-year-old, he will have high expectations.
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