The next new eligible Cuban Phenom has been named. 16-year-old 3B/1B/OF Lazaro ‘Lazarito’ Armenteros has defected from Cuba, established residency in Haiti, and now travels to workout in the Dominican Republic. Said to be 6’2 and 205 pounds, Lazarito has an excellent plus power-speed combo.

He could be doing workouts in the next few months at Dominican Complexes, and be able to sign an exemption to be signed by July 2nd of this year. He falls under the international bonus pool age of 16-23, and likely will make his signing team to exceed their appointed bonus pool, since they had already spent during the July 2nd bonus period. If a teams exceeds their bonus pool by a large margin, they cannot sign any international free agent for more than $300,000 for the next 2 years (a fairly low amount if looking for premium talent).

The Cubs, Dodgers, Giants, and Royals are all eligible to sign him and are tied to him. In case you were wondering, the Angels, Rays, D-Backs, Red Sox, and Yankees are not eligible to sign him.

The Mets have never signed a high-priced Cuban Free Agent subject to the international free agent bonus pool.

To Read More About Lazarito, Click Here

Highest Amateur IFA Bonuses in Mets’ History

1.     SS Amed Rosario – $1,750,000 (2012-13)

2.     SS Gabriel Guerrero – $1,500,000 (2015-16)

3.     OF Fernando Martinez – $1,400,000 (2005-06)

4.    SS Andres Gimenez $1,200,000 (2015-16)

5.     LHP Juan Urbina – $1,200,000 (2009-10)

6.     SS Kenny Hernandez – $1,000,000 (2014-2015)

7.     C Jose Garcia – $800,000 (2011-12)

8.     C Francisco Pena – $750,000 (2006-07)

9.     OF Ricardo Cespedes – $725,000 (2013-14)

10.     SS Wilmer Flores – $700,000 (2007-08)