Just a quick look at some international signees who received bigger bonuses from major league clubs from 2010 thru 2019, I stopped there as the classes beyond that are too recent to gage impact. Also included are some under the radar signings who’ve far exceeded their bonuses from those years and a few Phillies references.
Note that the “successes” are far outweighed by those who didn’t excel, very difficult to project teenagers as big leaguers - just sayin, it ain’t easy.
2018-2019
Dominican shortstop Marco Luciano ($2.6 million, Giants) - he’s now at the AAA level on the seven day IL and Venezuelan catcher Diego Cartaya ($2.5 million, Dodgers) scored big deals, he’s hitting .184 at the AA level. Victor Victor Mesa (a package deal with his younger brother, Victor Jr.) received $5.25 million from the Marlins, Victor Victor is hitting .206 in 12 games at AAA after spending most of the year on the IL - he hit .228 at the AA level last season, Victor Jr is playing at the AA level and hitting .233 in 374 AB’s to date.
2017-2018
Dominican shortstop Wander Franco ($3.8 million, Rays) has been well worth the investment.
The Phillies signed infielder Curtis Mead (now with Rays) and outfielder Johan Rojas,both have reached the major leagues.
2016-2017
Venezuelan infielder Kevin Maitan originally signed with Atlanta ($4.25 million), but was given free agency, he moved over to the Dodgers ($2.2 million) and is now with the Angels organization playing at the AA level. The Padres blew through their spending cap, signing Cuban left-handed pitcher Adrian Morejon ($11 million) - he’s pitched 50 games in the show for them out of the pen and Dominican shortstop Luis Almanzar ($4 million) - he voluntarily retired in March of 2022.
The Phillies signed pitcher Francisco Morales and outfielder Simon Muzziotti
2015-2016
The Dodgers paid a whopping $16 million for Cuban right-handed pitcher Yadier Alvarez,he became a free agent in the off-season and did not sign with anyone, has never reached the majors. The Giants signed shortstop Lucius Fox out of the Bahamas ($6 million), he’s now playing at the AA level for the Nationals. The Twins went big for Dominican shortstop Wander Javier ($4 million), who is now in the Padres system at the AA level. Among big spenders, the Blue Jays fared by far the best, signing outfielder Vladimir Guerrero Jr. out of the Dominican Republic for $3.9 million.
Other big successes : The Washington Nationals got star outfielder Juan Soto out of the Dominican Republic for $1.5 million, he’s now with the Padres. Infielder Fernando Tatis Jr.signed for $700,000 with the White Sox, who then traded him to the Padres.
The Phillies signed outfielder Jhailyn Ortiz and catcher Rafael Marchan
2014-2015
Three Dominican hitters went for around $3 million each : Dermis Garcia - Yankees - now playing in Mexico, Adrian Rondon - Rays - now out of baseball and Gilbert Lara - Brewers - now with Orioles in minors - 60 day IL. RHP Franklin Perez signed with the Houston Astros for about $1 million during this cycle. He was recently released by the Tigers after playing for Low A Lakeland this season.
The steal of the season belonged to the Braves, who signed Ronald Acuna Jr for about $100,000.
2013-2014
The Cubs nabbed outfielder Eloy Jimenez for $2.8 million, he’s now doing very well for the White Sox. They also signed SS Gleybar Torres for $1.7 million, now a Yankees regular. The Red Sox signed all-star Rafael Devers for $1.5 million, the Yankees gave the same amount to outfielder Leonardo Molina who’s now out of baseball. Pitcher Marcos Diplan (now pitching in Mexico) signed with the Rangers for $1.3 million. Infielder Willi Castro (now with the Twins) signed with Cleveland for $825,000 during this cycle.
“Two teams landed bargains: The Nationals signed Dominican Victor Robles (on 60 Day IL) for $225,000 while the Braves added second baseman Ozzie Albies ($350,000) from Curacao."
Current Phillies LHP Christopher Sanchez was signed by the Rays during this period.
2012-2013
The Rangers led the way by signing outfielder Jairo Beras for $4.5 million, he’s now out of baseball. Among the other big signings this year: Taiwanese shortstop Tzu-Wei Lin ($ 2.05 million, Red Sox) - now playing in the Chinese Professional League, Domincan SS Amed Rosario ($1.75 million, Mets) - now with the Dodgers in the show, Venezuelan left-handed pitcher Jose Castillo ($ 1.55 million, Rays) - now with the Marlins at AAA level and Dominican right-hander Juan Carlos Paniagua ($ 1.5 million, Cubs) who’s now playing in Mexico. Infielder Sergio Alcantara signed with the Diamondbacks for $700,000 during this cycle. He has played in the major leagues but is now back at the AAA level with the D-Backs.
“The Tigers signed left-handed pitcher Gregory Soto for a modest sum” - now with the Phillies. Current Phillies RHP Yunior Marte was signed by the Royals during this period, also for a modest sum.
2011-2012
The Rangers signed two Dominican outfielders: Nomar Mazara ($ 4.95 million) - he’s now with the Nationals playing in the minors at the AAA level. Ronald Guzman ($3.45 million) is now on the 60 day IL at the AAA level with the Giants. Infielder Dawel Lugo signed with the Blue Jays for $1.3 million, he’s now playing independent league baseball. Current White Sox outfielder Victor Reyes ($365,000) was the Braves’ best-paid signee in this cycle.
“The Yankees scored a bargain, signing RHP Luis Severino for $225,000.”
The Phillies signed outfielder Carlos Tocci, pitcher Seranthony Dominquez and pitcher Ranger Suarez.
Current Phillies LHP Jose Alvarado was signed this period to a modest contract by the Rays.
2010-2011
The big signees didn’t work out. Right-handed pitchers Adonys Cardona ($2.8 million, Blue Jays) and Luis Heredia ($2.6 million, Pirates) are out of affiliated baseball as is outfielder Ariel Ovando ($2.6 million, Astros).
Under the radar signings that have excelled in the show - 3B Jose Ramirez (Guardians - $50,000) and DiamondBacks IF/OF Ketel Marte ($ 100,000, Mariners). Notable: Third baseman Jeimer Candelario signed with the Cubs for $500,000 this year.
The Phillies signed 3B Maikel Franco and RHP Hector Neris.
Data source : Evan Woodbery article - mlive dot com - Updated: Jan. 14, 2022, 7:06 a.m.|Published: Jan. 14, 2021, 6:52 a.m. - I updated the information for the above article.
Happy Day, Happy Baseball ⚾️
Note : I've partnered with Fanatics on Phillies Merchandise - if you would like to help support my website and articles here's a link to order merchandise - I get a small commission on any sales - thanks for the support.