Thursday was the start of the international signing period in the MLB. The Boston Red Sox were awarded just under $6 million to use on prospects from across the world.
In all, the Red Sox were able to ink up 14 players, all coming from South and Central America.
Of those 14, two of the signees were members of MLB.com’s top 50 prospects board.
The highest-paid addition was the Dominican Republic’s Garielvin Silverio.
Silverio is a 17-year-old outfielder who stands 6-foot-1 and weighs just over 200 pounds. According to MLB.com’s scouting report, he is a lefty bat from the capital city with a smooth, powerful swing.
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“He lacks the explosive speed or fluidity to hold down center field but he’s plenty athletic enough to be a solid corner outfielder,” the scouting report said. “With his power bonafides, the bat will be the carrying tool, especially as he continues to fill out his frame.”
The Red Sox also signed shortstop Dawvris Brito.
Brito is also from the same city as Silverio and is ranked eight spots higher.
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“Brito has a really strong understanding of the strike zone, which when coupled with his quiet hands and plus bat speed, allows him to consistently generate loud contact,” Brito’s scouting report said. “A right-handed hitter, he has routinely been ripping off triple-digit exit velocities over the past year and has begun to grow into some strength as his frame fills out.”
He is reportedly an elite all-around athlete. Scouts around the league believe that if a team wants to move him out of the MLB’s most premier defensive position, he will be able to make the switch.
Silverio’s contract is reportedly worth $1.4 million, while Brito was given $1.2 million.
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