Although the Mets lost Roki Sasaki, officials confirmed they received a significant consolation prize in 17-year-old shortstop Elián Pena from the Dominican Republic.
Pena, considered by some scouts to be the next best international free agent, signed a $5 million contract with the Mets on Wednesday, the first day of the international signing period, after originally agreeing to a deal last season.
The move makes up most of the team's $6.2 million bonus pool.
If the Mets had been able to sign Sasaki (a Japanese right-hander who has narrowed his options down to the Dodgers, Padres and Blue Jays and is expected to sign this week), they wouldn't have had enough money left to bring in Pena. is. .
Pena's bonus is the largest in franchise history, far exceeding the $2.85 million given to Venezuelan catcher Yovany Rodriguez a year ago.
This is also the largest for a Latin player this year.
This is also one of the largest bonuses in MLB history.
Pena, a left-hander listed at 5-10, made more of an impression at the plate than in the field.
“If we couldn't get Sasaki, this would make it easier to get him,” one American League scout said of Pena. “I don't know if there's a player who's better offensively than Pena.''
Scouts say his glove needs some work, but his bat is a contract.
“You never know how they will develop physically and skill-wise, but he already has an outstanding swing,” the scout said.
There were early comparisons with Pena to Boston third baseman Rafael Devers, but another scout was not convinced he would hit as many home runs.
“He has power, he has discipline at the plate and he knows how to play the game,” the scout said. “If everything goes well, he will be a dangerous all-around hitter.”
