In addition to adding a familiar name, the Mets once again signed a world-class catcher.
The club on Monday signed a group of 20 players, highlighted by Venezuelan catcher Yovany Rodriguez, for $2.85 million, and Vladimir Guerrero, son of Hall of Famer Vladimir Guerrero and half-brother of Blue Jays star Vlad. The international contract period has begun. Guerrero Jr.
Rodriguez, 17, is ranked No. 5 overall in this year's class by Baseball America and No. 6 by MLB.com.
The Mets gave catcher Diverson Gutierrez their biggest contract ($1.9 million) last year, and after acquiring current starting pitcher Francisco Alvarez for $2.7 million in 2018, the Mets have become internationally acclaimed. continues the trend of contracting with capable backstops.
The Mets also signed two other prospects in MLB.com's top 50 international free agent rankings for a bonus pool of $5,284,000. outfielder Edward Lantigua ($950,000), both from the Dominican Republic;
“As we pursue our goal of building a championship-caliber organization, we must continue to acquire and develop future Mets,” President of Baseball Operations David Stearns said in a statement announcing the deal. Stated. “It is essential to have an international scouting and development organization that brings quality players into the organization on a regular basis.”
Vlady Miguel Guerrero, 17, is a left-handed hitter who signed for $117,000.
“He's a very interesting prospect. He bats first because he can make a positive impact. He has above-average bat speed and potential, as well as raw power.” international scout previously told The Post's Joel Sherman. “He has more power than offensively and is not as pure a hitter as Vlad Jr., but he has the same concerns of having to watch his body and is a fair athlete as well.I hear the thunder from the left side. ”
