The New York Mets signed a player with a Hall of Fame name as the 2024 international signing period opened Monday, but a couple of other players drew higher acclaim for their skills.
According to reports, including MLB.com and Baseball America, the Mets added 20 international prospects — with 17-year-old Vladi Miguel Guerrero, the son of Hall of Famer Vlad Guerrero Sr. and half-brother of Vlad Jr. the headliner, even if he is not the one ($117,000) who received the most money. That goes to Venezuelan catcher Yovanny Rodriguez ($2.85 million), Dominican outfielder Edward Lantigua ($950,000) and Dominican shortstop Yensi Rivas ($500,000), per MLB.com.
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According to MLB.com’s rankings, Rodriguez is No. 6 on the international rankings, Rivas is No. 31 and Lantiqua is No. 41. All three players are 17 years old, but one in particular could end up being the prize.
From MLB.com: Rodriguez has a chance to become the best player in this class, and it’s easy to see why. An advanced catching prospect with some pop and skills, he has the potential to be a star on both sides of the ball. Behind the dish, he shows an advanced defensive approach and scouts rave about his upside.
MLB.com also wrote that Lantigua “has drawn comparisons to Mariners superstar Julio Rodríguez in terms of size, speed and athleticism,” while Rivas is considered “one of the most polished hitters in the class” with great bat-to-ball skills.
Guerrero, meanwhile, was not ranked by MLB.com (top 50) or Baseball America (top 100) but the Dominican has “hitting aptitude,” per MLB.com, and will likely be a left fielder or first baseman.
The Mets had a signing pool of $5.284. International players can sign with MLB teams as long as they are registered with MLB and at least 16 years old.
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