Nationals Sign Fourteen Internationals
The Washington Nationals signed 14 free agents on the first day of the international signing period on January 15. Six outfielders led the list by position, followed by three shortstops and three right-handed pitchers. One left-handed pitcher and one catcher completed the group.
The players who signed ranged in age from 16-17. The Nationals allotment for the 2022-23 international signing period was $5,284,000 and they did not exceed that amount.
In terms of international rankings, the top three players signed by the Nationals were:
No. 39. Manuel Cabrera, SS, D.R. ($550,000). Cabrera has the athleticism and arm to play anywhere in the infield. Cabrera has demonstrated a quick bat with some muscle at the plate. These traits will likely get better as Cabrera’s body continues to grow.
No. 45. Andy Acevedo, OF, D.R. ($1,200,000). Acevedo is said to have a beautiful swing from the left side of the plate. Acevedo can spray the ball to all fields and possesses excellent plate discipline, especially for someone his age. Acevado could also blossom into a decent power hitter.
46. Edwin Solano, SS, D.R. ($1,200,000) Solano is a tremendous athlete with a fast swing and raw power. Solano is a slick defensive shortstop with a good arm too. Solano knows how to run the bases and plays the game with a lot of energy and smarts.
The other youngsters who singed for at least $375,000 were:
- Juan Obispo, OF, D.R. – ($600,000)
- Hector Liriano, OF, D.R. – ($400,000)
- Carlos Batista, OF, D.R. – ($375,000)
Another noteworthy signee was 17-year-old Elian Soto. Does that name sound familiar? Elian is Juan Soto’s younger brother who also happens to bat left-handed and play the outfield. You may have even seen Elian already within Nationals Park during the 2019 playoffs. In this slow hot stove season in the District, this may warm the heart at least a little.
International Player refresher from @JesseSanchezMLB:
An international player is eligible to sign with a Major League team between Jan. 15 and Dec. 15. He must turn 16 before he signs and be 17 before Sept. 1 the following year — in practical terms, that means players born between Sept. 1, 2005, and Aug. 31, 2006, will be eligible to sign in the upcoming signing period. Players have to be registered with Major League Baseball in advance in order to be eligible to sign. Teams are allowed to trade international bonus pool money starting Jan. 15.
