(Via Newton’s Facebook)

We reported here at MetsMinors.net in February that the Mets had signed Dutch infielder Shervyen Newton and now Baseball America reports it was for a $50,000 bonus.

He worked out at a facility in Curacao called 5 Star Baseball Training and I was able to talk to one of the trainers. Newton has experience at both shortstop and third base with BA calling him a shortstop in their write up. He has also pitched some in the past and has a strong arm.

The switch-hitter has shown good early power to go along with a 6-foot-3, 160 pound frame. He has quick hands and looks very fluid in the field that could help him stick long-term at short. Major Leaguers Jonathan Schoop and Jurickson Profar also trained at the Dutch facility this offseason.

Newton will turn 17 on April 29th and is from Tiburg, Netherlands. According to a blog dedicated to following Dutch players, Newton played in the RBI League for the Monrepos Tigers.

Here you can watch Newton taking batting practice left-handed. This is him swinging right-handed during BP.

The Mets two biggest 2015 July 2nd international free agent signings were also shortstops in Gregory Guerrero ($1.5M) and Andres Gimenez ($1.2M).