The 2016-2017 international signing period began on Saturday, which for the Los Angeles Dodgers was much quieter than the 2015-16 signing period. Los Angeles immediately blew past their allotted bonus pool money last year and are limited in their spending over the current and next year’s signing period.
For a club like the Oakland Athletics, their haul on Saturday included the highly-coveted Lazarito Armenteros. The Dodgers were linked to the Cuban outfielder, who at one point in February was thought to be nearing a decision to sign with a Major League club.
However, amid some controversy, Armenteros waited for the 2016-17 signing period to begin, which eliminated the Dodgers from contention as they are unable to sign pool-eligible international prospects for more than $300,000.
The Atlanta Braves were also significant players on the first day, signing four of Baseball America’s top 16 international prospects. Meanwhile, the Dodgers didn’t come away empty handed on Saturday as they reportedly signed Dominican shortstop Albert Suarez, per Antonio Puesán of ESPN:
#July2Update Dodgers deal with SS Albert Suarez for $300,000
— Antonio Puesán (@antoniopuesan) July 2, 2016
Little is known of the 16-year-old Suarez. During an appearance on the Dugout Blues podcast, Ben Badler of Baseball America referred to the left-hand hitting shortstop as a player more renowned for his skills as opposed to raw talent.
The current international singing period is the Dodgers’ first with Ismael Cruz in the fold. The former Toronto Blue Jays international scouting director was hired by the Dodgers last November.
Cruz was with the Blue Jays since 2011 and played an integral role for the organization in identifying and signing international talent. He led the Blue Jays’ pursuit in signing Vladimir Guerrero Jr. in July 2015.
