The international signing period for Major League Baseball began on Monday, and the Phillies quickly came to an agreement with 17-year-old Dominican outfielder Jalvin Arias, reportedly for $1.4 million, according to MLB.com.
Arias was ranked 19th among foreign prospects by MLB.com. He is a right-handed hitter and thrower.
A portion of their scouting report stated, “Arias sports an explosive uppercut swing that plays well alongside his idea of what he wants to do at the plate.” “His best attribute is his long limbs, and along with a 6-foot-3 frame that boasts definition, makes for exciting upside.”
This is a demonstration of his qualities.
The dates of the international signing period are January 15–December 15. 37 of the Top 40 international prospects according to MLB.com have already signed deals with organizations.
The amount of money any team has available to invest in foreign prospects is determined by its income and market share. At $4,652,200, the Phillies were one of four teams with the smallest international bonus pool. This was a portion of the punishment they received for signing Trea Turner, who turned down the Dodgers’ qualifying offer in the off-season. This is a portion of what you hear when you hear about qualifying offers impacting draft pick compensation.
With slightly over $7.1 million, the D-backs, Orioles, Guardians, Rockies, Royals, and Pirates have the biggest bonus pools.
Ranger Suarez, Seranthony Dominguez, and Johan Rojas are current Phillies who signed as international free agents and all did so for far less money than the highest-paid prospects who signed deals right away. Suarez, Dominguez, and Rojas each signed contracts worth $25,000. Players that signed as international free agents originally make up about thirty percent of the league.