With MLB still looking to fully get back on track after the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic began to first impact the sport two years ago, the 2021-2022 international signing period was again pushed back.
For a second consecutive year it began January 15 and will conclude December 15. Under normal circumstances, an international signing period opens July 2 and runs through June 15 of the following year.
The Los Angeles Dodgers have again become aggressive in signing international talent under the Guggenheim ownership group, though for the current period are among the teams with the lowest bonus pool money available at $4,644,000.
The Dodgers nevertheless came to terms with 30 international prospects, including top-end talents Samuel Muñoz (outfielder; Dominican Republic), Accimia Morales (pitcher; Venezuela) and Mairo Martinus (shortstop; Curacao).
Raynerd Ortega (shortstop; Venezuela), Daniel Arrias (outfielder; Venezuela), Jose Gonzalez (outfielder; Venezuela), Yorfran Medina (outfielder; Venezuela), Josue De Paula (outfielder; Dominican Republic), Domingo Geronimo (pitcher; Dominican Republic), Jeral Perez (shortstop; Dominican Republic), Javier Peña (catcher; Dominican Republic), Nathanael Castillo (shortstop; Dominican Republic) and Yuliangel de la Cruz (pitcher; Dominican Republic) were signed as well.
Also part of the international signing class were Luciano Romero (pitcher; Venezuela), Victor Rodrigues (catcher; Venezuela), Peter Bonilla Hernandez (pitcher; Spain), Cristian Rueda (pitcher; Venezuela), Darwin Rodríguez (pitcher; Venezuela), Eiver Espinoza (pitcher; Venezuela), Johan Palacios (pitcher; Venezuela), Jonas Uzcategui (pitcher; Venezuela), Julio Mendez (pitcher; Venezuela), Rafael Brito (pitcher; Venezuela), Santiago Suarez (pitcher; Venezuela), Nicolas Uriepero (pitcher; Venezuela), Greyber Altamirano (infielder; Venezuela), Byron Chourio (outfielder; Venezuela), Deivis Mosquera (outfielder; Venezuela), Eduardo Guerrero (shortstop; Venezuela).
Muñoz is ranked No. 7 on MLB.com’s top-50 international prospects for the current class, and Morales is No. 37. Meanwhile, Martinus is viewed by some as the best infielder from Curacao sign Ozzie Albies signed with the Atlanta Braves.
Of their additions, the bulk (20) hail from Venezuela. That’s followed by seven prospects out of the Dominican Republic being signed.
Signing Bauer cost Dodgers bonus pool money
One factor impacting the Dodgers’ available money for the 2021-22 international signing period is last offseason’s Trevor Bauer deal that removed $500,000 from their bonus pool.
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