Orioles open international signing period with huge haul
The Baltimore Orioles opened up the international signing period by signing 27 players yesterday.
Outfielder Luis Gonzalez, pitcher Luis Ortiz, and SS Leonel Sanchez highlighted the signings, all of which are 16 years old.
The international signings are something the Orioles have lacked in the past few years. Orioles GM Mike Elias said he would get top talent from everywhere, and so far he has stood by his words.
These prospects may be a while off, but Elias has put an emphasis on signing and drafting very athletic players.
Here is the Orioles’ press release.
ORIOLES OPEN THE 2019-20 INTERNATIONAL SIGNING PERIOD BY ADDING 27 PLAYERS
The Baltimore Orioles today announced that they have opened the 2019-20 International Signing period with 27 agreements. Highlighting the Orioles 2019 International Signing class are OF LUIS GONZÁLEZ, LHP LUIS ORTIZ, andSS LEONEL SÁNCHEZ. Of the 27 signees, 16 are from the Dominican Republic, eight are from Venezuela, and one each from Aruba, the Bahamas, and Colombia.
González, born on November 2, 2002, is a large-framed outfielder from the Dominican Republic with great power potential from the left side of the plate. He has a good feel for barreling up balls and could develop into an impact bat. He is a well-rounded athlete who can play all three outfield positions.
Ortiz, born on September 17, 2002, is a strong left-handed pitcher from the Dominican Republic. Ortiz already has command over three pitches and a fastball that exceeds 90 miles per hour. His curveball has a sharp break and projects as his out pitch. His pitching arsenal also includes a changeup that he delivers with consistent arm speed that helps keep hitters off balance. His pitching delivery is loose, with easy arm action, and a good downhill plane. He is known for throwing strikes and likes to challenge hitters.
Sánchez, born on December 4, 2002, is a right-handed hitting shortstop from the Dominican Republic. The athletic middle infielder has shown solid arm strength, and his smooth footwork allows him to get into good fielding positions. He has gap-to-gap power, and the ball jumps off of his bat.
“This July 2 is a big day for our franchise,” said MIKE ELIAS, Orioles Executive Vice President and General Manager. “These young players from all parts of Latin America will bolster our burgeoning farm system and jumpstart the continual flow of talent we are building. Today is only the beginning of our efforts, as we will continue to sign more players throughout the 2019-20 signing period. Our International Scouting staff has already begun laying the groundwork for future classes.”
“We are excited about the round of talent we were able to bring in with this first group of signings,” said KOBY PEREZ, Orioles Senior Director, International Scouting. “Everyone in the organization hit the ground running after our department was put together, and it’s a testament to their hard work that we were able to sign the quality group of players joining us today. We look forward to continuing to grow the relationships we’ve established in the Dominican Republic and other countries for years to come.”
Attached is a full listing of today’s international signings. Additional information, including photographs and videos, will be made available across all Orioles digital platforms.
