International signings - 2024

[TimScribble]

View: https://twitter.com/redsoxstats/status/1742561796177682780?s=46&t=7XazH1NKZP26a4WUZikbkQ


On BA's new 2024 International Prospects Top 50 list, the Red Sox are only mentioned once. The international signing period opens on January 15.

 

[TimScribble]

Ranked 33rd overall from MLB

https://www.mlb.com/prospects/2024/international/vladimir-asencio-815918

Asencio is the latest top-tier international prospect to have trained with Mejia Top 10 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, which recently produced Cristian Hernandez (Cubs) and Miguel Bleis (Red Sox). Many clubs have shown interest in inking Asencio, who boasts loads of physical projection at just 5-foot-10 and 170 pounds.

Armed with a sound bat path and slight uppercut stroke, Asencio has a knack for utilizing the opposing field. He has made consistent hard contact during games, and evaluators believe he will grow into more power as he matures. He remains very much hit-over-power at this stage of his development, but he does sport some sneaky pop.

Athleticism is the first thing that jumps off the page with Asencio. Although he has just average arm strength from center field with fair footwork and range, his speed should enable him to maximize his tools defensively. That same quickness figures to play to his advantage on the basepaths with his medium-sized frame.

 

[Jed Zeppelin]

I know there are always going to be exceptions and that it always looks "sexier" to splash the pot on the tip-top prospects but I'd have to be convinced that going for broke on a smaller number of higher-priced IFA teenagers is a smarter play than spreading the wealth around a higher volume of middle class types who just need a few things to break right in their development to become big-time prospects. I believe Devers is the only $1mil+ bonus baby from Latin America in the traditional international signing process (Cuban players excluded) who has come up through the system and produced at the level of a top prospect. Fingers crossed that the likes of Bleis and Cespedes can break the mold but overall I don't see a ton of evidence in our history to suggest the higher bonus players have a significantly better chance of hitting than the lower bonus guys. Guys we like now like Bello, Rafaela, Monegro, Perales...all sub-$100k bonuses. Even Bogaerts who was basically our IFA jewel forever, was "only" $400k. There is some bad luck thrown in there (Daniel Flores) and we have extracted value out of some trades (Espinoza, Margot, Guerra), to be fair.

In the grand scheme, these are marginal expenses, and there is only so much room to develop lots of these players, so you can't go too far spreading the pot around lower bonuses, but I'd much rather take more dart throws than go big game hunting every year given the bonus cap. I know people are always prematurely ejaculating over the Yankees getting top guys every year but it often ends up being just a load of hype.

 

[Granite Sox]

View: https://twitter.com/soxspects/status/1743597026581807585?s=61&t=fJYtkpGv4bOl3p7SGjEodw


A complement to @TimScribble’s post

 

[zenax]

[Ascensio] Ranked 33rd overall from MLB

And there are 13 players on that list who are 16-years-old and rated higher than him, 4 listed as OF and one as 3B/OF. On the other hand, there was only one pitcher rated higher.

 

[TimScribble]

Working on grabbing the info, but BA reporting Boston will sign 5 of the top 100:

View: https://twitter.com/baseballamerica/status/1746563070556623142?s=46&t=7XazH1NKZP26a4WUZikbkQ


The 2024 international signing period begins tomorrow.

These are the teams expected to sign the most players among our Top 100 bonus board.

Guardians (6)
Red Sox (5)
Athletics (5)
Rangers (5)
Blue Jays (5)

 

[TimScribble]

37. Vladimir Asencio, OF, Dominican Republic

54. Carlos Carrasquel, 3B, Venezuela (Red Sox)

85. Edwin Brito, OF, Dominican Republic (Red Sox)

89. Dalvinson Reyes, RHP, Dominican Republic (Red Sox)

99. Anderson Fermin, SS/CF, Dominican Republic (Red Sox)

 

[TimScribble]

From BA on Carrasquel:
Good mix of hitting ability and easy righthanded power from a sound swing, 6-foot-4 frame with more strength projection remaining, offensive-minded infielder with arm strength for third base.

 

[LogansDad]

Carrasquel:
Good mix of hitting ability and easy righthanded power from a sound swing, 6-foot-4 frame with more strength projection remaining, offensive-minded infielder with arm strength for third base.

Oh, they signed Elly de la Cruz??

 

[TimScribble]

From BA on Brito:
Big raw power and bat speed from the right side of the plate, drives the ball with damage when he connects, power-over-hit type, likely in an outfield corner.

 

[TimScribble]

From BA on Reyes:
High-end physical projection (6-foot-5, 190 pounds) with easy mechanics, a fastball up to 92 mph with what should be more in the tank to go with his curveball and changeup.

 

[TimScribble]

From BA on Fermin:
High-end athleticism with plus speed and a solid swing from both sides of the plate, gap power, could fit at either shortstop or in center field.

 

[TimScribble]

Oh, they signed Elly de la Cruz??

Give or take an inch.

 

[nayrbrey]

Thanks for the info TimScribble
Soxprospects has those plus others as rumored signings and the pool is listed as $5,925,000
Some great names, a YOHANDRY, a YOHANDER, and a YOANDRY

https://www.soxprospects.com/international.htm

 

[jon abbey]

BA tracker is live:

Boston Red Sox ($5,925,000)
Vladimir Asencio, OF, Dominican Republic
Carlos Carrasquel, 3B, Venezuela
Edwin Brito, OF, Dominican Republic
Dalvinson Reyes, RHP, Dominican Republic
Anderson Fermin, SS/CF, Dominican Republic
Justin Gonzalez, OF, Dominican Republic
Tavano Baker, OF, Bahamas
Juan Medina, RHP, Venezuela
Edwin Darvile, SS, Bahamas
Avinson Pinto, SS, Venezuela
Tejahari Wilson, RHP, Bahamas
Justim Sojo, SS, Venezuela

 

[zenax]

Carlos Carrasquel, 3B, Venezuela

Wonder if there is a relationship with SS Chico Carrasquel (1950-59), 4xAll Star with CHW?

 

[LogansDad]

Wonder if there is a relationship with SS Chico Carrasquel (1950-59), 4xAll Star with CHW?

It's entirely possible. A quick search doesn't bring anything up, but Chico is part of one of the biggest "pro baseball families" in history.

From B-Ref:

Carrasquel/Collazo/Colón‎ (9)[edit]
Alex Carrasquel was the first major leaguer from Venezuela. He had four nephews who played professionally, most notably big league shortstop Chico Carrasquel. Chico's brothers Domingo Carrasquel Sr. and Martin Carrasquel played in the minors. Alex's 4th nephew to play in the minors was Manuel Carrasquel. Domingo's son Domingo Carrasquel Jr. and Martin's son Emilio Carrasquel both played in the minor leagues. Cris Colón, a cousin of Domingo Jr. and Emilio, was the third member of the family to make it to the majors. Alfonso Collazo pitched in the minors and was a cousin of Martin and Manuel Carrasquel and Cris Colón and nephew of Alex, Chico and Domingo Sr.

 

[TimScribble]

Updated list:
Boston Red Sox ($5,925,000)

Vladimir Asencio, OF, Dominican Republic (Scouting report here)
Carlos Carrasquel, 3B, Venezuela (Potential breakout prospect)
Edwin Brito, OF, Dominican Republic
Dalvinson Reyes, RHP, Dominican Republic
Anderson Fermin, SS/CF, Dominican Republic
Justin Gonzales, OF, Dominican Republic
Tavano Baker, OF, Bahamas
Juan Medina, RHP, Venezuela
Edwin Darvile, SS, Bahamas
Avinson Pinto, SS, Venezuela
Tejahari Wilson, RHP, Bahamas
Justim Sojo, SS, Venezuela
Christopher Alvarado, SS, Venezuela
Cesar Muzziotti, RHP, Venezuela
Rafy Montesinos, SS, Dominican Republic
Yahir Peña, C, Venezuela
Madison Frias, RHP, Dominican Republic

 

[circus catch]

I wonder if Tavano Baker is related Dusty Baker. or Chet Baker.

 

[Sin Duda]

From BA on Fermin:
High-end athleticism with plus speed and a solid swing from both sides of the plate, gap power, could fit at either shortstop or in center field.

I wonder if Tavano Baker is related Dusty Baker. or Chet Baker.

Or Home Run Baker or Ginger Baker

 

[BuellMiller]

Or Home Run Baker or Ginger Baker

As long as he didn’t get alcohol problems from his cousin Vinny’s side of the family.

 

[JM3]

Here's what SoxProspects has as the class to date:

2024 Signing Period

Player	Pos.	Country	Bonus	Month
Vladimir Asencio	CF	Dominican	$1,000,000	Jan-2024
Carlos Carrasquel	3B/SS	Venezuela	$590,000	Jan-2024
Edwin Brito	CF	Dominican	$450,000	Jan-2024
Dalvinson Reyes	RHP	Dominican	$450,000	Jan-2024
Anderson Fermin	SS/CF	Dominican	$400,000	Jan-2024
Justin Gonzales	CF	Dominican	$250,000	Jan-2024
Tavano Baker	CF	Bahamas	$200,000	Jan-2024
Shnaider Rojas	RHP	Venezuela	$175,000	Jan-2024
Juan Medina	RHP	Venezuela	$140,000	Jan-2024
Christopher Alvarado	SS	Venezuela	$135,000	Jan-2024
Jesus Lugo	CF	Dominican	$125,000	Jan-2024
Kenyon Simmons	SS	Nicaragua	$100,000	Jan-2024
Jhiancarlos Diaz	SS	Venezuela	$100,000	Jan-2024
Emanuel Reyna	CF	Dominican	$100,000	Jan-2024
Rafi Montesino	CF	Dominican	$60,000	Jan-2024
Ilan Fernandez	SS	Venezuela	$60,000	Jan-2024
Justim Sojo	SS	Venezuela	$60,000	Jan-2024
Tejahari Trent Wilson	RHP	Bahamas	$50,000	Jan-2024
Wilfre Hernandez	RHP	Venezuela	$40,000	Jan-2024
Enddy Azocar	CF	Venezuela	$40,000	Jan-2024
Efren Teran	IF	Venezuela	$35,000	Jan-2024
Givian Sirvania	CF	Curacao	$35,000	Jan-2024
Yoandys Veraza	RHP	Venezuela	$30,000	Jan-2024
Alexander Alzi	CF	Dominican	$25,000	Jan-2024
Avinson Pinto	SS	Venezuela	$25,000	Jan-2024
Moises Bolivar	SS	Venezuela	$25,000	Jan-2024
Jomar Fernandez	RHP	Dominican	$25,000	Jan-2024
Yander Bonaci	LHP	Venezuela	$25,000	Jan-2024
Josue Brito	CF	Venezuela	$20,000	Jan-2024
Jhoan Peguero	CF	Dominican	$20,000	Jan-2024
Yahir Pena	C	Venezuela	$20,000	Jan-2024
Abis Prado	LHP	Venezuela	$20,000	Jan-2024
Gilbel Galvan	RHP	Dominican	$20,000	Jan-2024
Madinson Frias	RHP	Dominican	$10,000	Jan-2024
Yohandry Gonzalez	RHP	Venezuela	$10,000	Jan-2024
Jesus Travieso	RHP	Venezuela	$10,000	Jan-2024
Angel Luis	CF	Dominican	$10,000	Jan-2024
Samuel Arroyo	C	Colombia	$10,000	Jan-2024
Cesar Muzziotti	RHP	Venezuela	$10,000	Jan-2024
Jhon Alcantara	RHP	Dominican	$1,000	Jan-2024
Edwin "EJ" Darville	SS	Bahamas	N/A	Jan-2024

https://www.soxprospects.com/international.htm

40 players, costing $4.85m of their $5.925m budget. Will probably try to get a brief write-up on each guy at some point, but not right now.

 

[JM3]

Despite getting some great spreadsheet info from a helpful poster who I will cite when I get around to the IFA stuff, I haven't had a chance to get around to the IFA stuff.

This is how much each team has left, though, per Francys Romero:

Dbacks $807,300
Braves $185,000
Orioles $1,917,300
Red Sox $975,000
Cubs $292,000
Reds $250,000
Cleveland $697,800
Colorado $1,227,800
White Sox $2,920,000
Tigers $1,495,000
Astros $2,385,000
Royals $4,239,800
Dodgers $3,152,500
Angels $262,200
Marlins $1,725,000
Brewers $465,500
Twins $835,000
Mets $356,000
Yankees $362,200
Athletics $1,863,000
Phillies $109,200
Pirates $749,800
Padres $52,200
Mariners $602,000
Giants $1,462,500
Cardinals $1,602,200
Rays $20,000
Rangers $172,200
Blue Jays $634,700
Nationals $157,500

Total spent: $148,180,500.
Players signed: 603

View: https://twitter.com/francysromeroFR/status/1755002698682990820

 

[JM3]

Just wanted to shoutout @Reverse Curve for sending me an awesome spreadsheet with IFA info on three Red Sox guys... which I have squandered by failing to do an IFA recap.

I never got around to building off it & doing a deep-dive on each guy, but I'm going to try to once the DSL season starts or whenever there is stuff to report.

Anyway, thx! & I'll probably just post the spreadsheet sometime soon.

 

[JM3]

View: https://twitter.com/francysromeroFR/status/1770167850159767665


Red Sox have just under $1m left avaliable to spend on IFAs if they want to put in a bid.

 

[OCD SS]

Doesn’t it take a good bit of time to establish residency? I thought players defecting from Cuba usually take awhile to sign.

 

[JM3]

Doesn’t it take a good bit of time to establish residency? I thought players defecting from Cuba usually take awhile to sign.

Yeah, not really sure, but this IFA period stays open until December 15th.

According to SI's AI writer...

The Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston Red Sox, Chicago White Sox, Houston Astros and Oakland Athletics are among the teams that still have bonus pool money to spend on international amateur free agents. If Cabrera is looking to find a new organization before December, those are the teams that could have the flexibility to add him.

https://www.si.com/fannation/mlb/fastball/news/cuban-pitcher-jan-ewing-cabrera-arrives-in-dominican-republic-hopes-to-join-mlb

 

[JM3]

So it looks like we've added to our IFA class...

Diomar Hidalgo

View: https://www.instagram.com/p/DAjJJWQO5mG/?igsh=MTJ5dDNqYWZndHlueQ==


Of course, his last post was in Red Sox gear in April...

View: https://www.instagram.com/p/C5youCCuS-I/?igsh=MW1yaHVxcTVrdTNqNA==


As far as I can tell he's a 5'11 RHH SS from the Dominican Republic. Couldn't find age or bonus info.

 

[JM3]

Red Sox have apparently also signed RHP Jackson Gamboa & C Andruw Zambrano, both from Venezuela, but haven't been able to figure out more info than that.