Earlier today, we talked about Curacao native SS/3B Shervyen Newton who signed for a $50,000 bonus, as it was reported by Baseball America in their international review. Michael gave an excellent profile for Newton’s signing.
BA also reviewed on shortstops Andres Gimenez and Gregory Guerrero, both of which were signed for 7-figure bonuses, and have exciting futures.
Gimenez is a 5’11” shortstop with a very quick and repeatable stroke from the left side. BA is so in love with his stroke, that they state he may be a .300 hitter one day. Right now, he has power to the gaps, but there is room to grow, possibly into 8-12 home runs. In addition, Gimenez has above-average speed to pair with projectable glove. He signed on July 2nd, 2015 for 1.2 million dollars.
Guerrero, the top signing was trained at the Guerrero Academy, run by Wilton Guerrero, and is Vladimir’s nephew. Signed at 1.5 million dollars, Gregory is a 6’1″, 180 pound slow-footed shortstop with soft hands and a plus arm, however, some scouts may see him as a 3rd or 2nd baseman, while others are comfortable with him at short. Gregory has the potential to have a bat that could hit .280 with average to above-average power, and some good strike zone discipline.
Both, according to Baseball America, are slated to start in the Dominican Summer League which will start at the end of May.
Baseball America didn’t report on anyone else, stating that the other 32 Mets signed had a bonus of $10,000 or under. We will see many of these new faces in the Dominican Summer League this coming May.
Ted’s Prospect Extras:
Other IFA’s You Should Keep Your Eye on:
INF Walter Rasquin
OF Tulio Garcia
Great work as always Teddy.
I am excited to see these guys, a little disappointed that they aren’t headed to Florida. In the other hand, the program in the Dominican is working, may as well stick with what works.
I definitely thought there was a chance we would see both of them start in the GCL. That being said I also think it’s possible they both end there.
In the long run I don’t think it is a hindrance to their development. Using the DSL for the initial exposure to pro ball, the expectations, amount of work, etc. Then letting their play dictate the schedule from there like Carpio and Rosario
I don’t disagree with letting them play in DSL, just a little surprised given the bonus $. They skipped the DSL Rosario and thought they might with at least one of these guys.