International free agency begins on Jan. 15, but this process plays out much like NBA free agency. Teams have been working to sign players, and as soon as the clock strikes midnight, we are going to see many of the top players available officially agree to the deals already negotiated.
As noted by Baseball America, the New York Mets have $5.284 million in bonus pool money to offer to international free agents. If a player is offered a bonus of $10,000 or less, that amount is exempt from the bonus pool.
As we have seen, the Mets have had recent success in international free agency. Currently, Francisco Álvarez is considered the top prospect in all of baseball. Back in 2018, he was given a $2.7 million bonus. That bonus amount surpassed the $2.1 million the Mets gave Ronny Mauricio, who was just named the LIDOM MVP.
The Mets have been active in the international free agency market. Currently, they have been linked to several of the top players available and appear to sign the following once free agency officially opens:
Daiverson Gutierrez, C
Ht: 6’0″ Wt: 180 lb.
B/T: R/R Age: 9/11/05 (17)
Rankings: 20 (BA), 27 (MLB)
Bonus: $1.9 million (Mayer confirmed)
Analysis (MLB Pipeline): “The teenager can hit, and his above-average power potential is noteworthy. Add that he plays a premium position, and it’s no surprise scouts rave about him. His power has developed in the last year, and it’s not hard to envision him hitting in the middle of the order and driving in runs. His power has drawn comparisons to Francisco Álvarez at the same age.”
Solid video here of one of the Mets' top IFA signings Daiverson Gutierrez. Catcher who stands in at 6'0, 180 at 17 years old. Strong power build, compact swing, and a strong arm behind the plate. Found video from @bkfan09 pic.twitter.com/F4TVPCEumI
— Jack Ramsey (@jackwramsey) January 11, 2023
Cristopher Larez, SS
Ht: 6’1″ Wt: 185 lb.
B/T: R/R Age: 1/10/06 (17)
Rankings: 25 (BA), 43 (MLB)
Bonus: $1.5 million (Mayer confirmed)
Analysis (BA): “He’s a mature hitter for his age, showing good contact skills against live pitching with the strength to drive the ball deep to right-center field over to his pull side and occasional home run power that could develop into average raw power. His speed and arm strength are both above-average tools.”
Anthony Baptist, OF
Ht: 5’10” Wt: 150 lb.
B/T:L/L Age: 10/17/05 (17)
Rankings: 29 (MLB)
Bonus: $1.1 million (Mayer confirmed)
Analysis (BA): “One of the fastest players in the class, Baptist is also one of the most exciting. He’s expected to start in center field and stay at the position as he develops, primarily because of his speed, but also because he has the potential to be an above-average defender.”
The #Mets are expected to sign 3 of @MLBPipeline’s Top 50 international prospects in January.
27) Daiverson Gutierrez, C
29) Anthony Baptist, OF ⬇️
43) Cristopher Larez, SSScouting reports & full list here: https://t.co/rB17eOgAHz pic.twitter.com/PxuxqsD4zn
— Jacob Resnick (@Jacob_Resnick) September 30, 2022
With Gutierrez, Larez, and Baptist, the Mets are expected to sign three of the top 50 prospects available.
Mets signing Dominican OF Heriberto Rincón https://t.co/aEjDyrXRv9 pic.twitter.com/4FrHW01Wiw
— Ben Badler (@BenBadler) January 15, 2023
In addition to these prospects, the Mets are anticipated to sign the following players:
- C Henry Pizani
- INF Wuilder Cumare
- OF Alex Acosta
- Dereck Rodrigues
- Alejandro Ramirez
- LHP Daviel Hurtado
https://twitter.com/mikemayer22/status/1614611554472972288?s=46&t=kuZU6iKyRKmFzIVV-4FggQ
- INF Branny de Olio
- OF Heriberto Rincon
- OF Reniel Diaz
- LHP Osiris Calvo
- LHP Wilmer Lugo
https://twitter.com/jacob_resnick/status/1614674437105946625?s=46&t=14XKMBpvkItIFo0AKasPQA
Check back with MMN on these and other potential signings.