Today is the first day of the 2019-2020 International Free Agent signing period, and the New York Mets have struck early signing OF Alexander Ramirez from the Dominican Republic to a $2.05 million signing bonus. This is less than the signing bonuses the Mets have given in recent years to Ronny Mauricio and Francisco Alvarez, but it is still the third highest in Mets history surpassing the amount given to Amed Rosario.

With his turning 16 on January 13, he is still young and growing. According to Ben Badler of Baseball America, Ramirez is “6’3” with a lot of space to fill out as a potential power/speed threat from the right side.

According to MLB.com, Ramirez was the 26th best prospect from this year’s International Free Agent class. At the plate, Ramirez “already shows advanced hitting skills and knowledge of the strike zone. He makes solid contact at the plate and is known for hitting line drives to all fields.”

Defensively, he is a “true center fielder and has the skill set to stay at the position as he grows and develops. He projects to be a plus runner and that skill will help make him into an above-average defender.

Overall, Ramirez seems to fit the mold the Mets have followed in recent years on the International Free Agent market. They have allocated their money towards signing one of the top talents available. Similar to Rosario and Mauricio, Ramirez is an athletic player who is still maturing physically and could hit for power as he develops.