The Orioles signed 27 players in their 2022 international class led by 16-year old centerfielder Braylon Tavera who signed for an Orioles record $1.7 million.
Here are some quick scouting reports and bonus of the players signed.
Braylin Tavara (CF) bonus $1.7 million million (video) – “He is one of the most well-rounded players in this year’s class and has a chance to be a five-tool player with above-average grades in the future.
At the plate, the lean and athletic 16-year-old shows a good approach and sound fundamentals with improving pitch recognition. Like most prospects his age, Tavera’s swing is a work in progress, but he already has good bat-to-ball skills and emerging power that projects to be a plus tool. He can run now, and the run tool is also expected to be a plus tool if he continues to develop at a normal pace. He continues to improve as a defender.
“He does everything easily and effortlessly,” Koby Perez said. “He is a player who was highly coveted by most of the teams in the league, and a lot of it had to do with us offering an opportunity. Us not having given out these types of bonuses in our history, it makes the player, you know, feel special to be the highest-paid international player. I think that really helped us land Braylin, because there was definitely a lot of competition for his services. He ranks No. 18 on Baseball America’s listing of the highest projected signing bonuses in this class and No. 22 on MLBPipeline.com’s listing of the top 50 international prospects. ”
César Prieto – 22-year-old Cuban infielder ( $650,000) (video) – “The athletic Prieto has shown good instincts, and the ability to play multiple infield positions. Think of him as a super-utility player. For now, it’s Prieto’s bat, not his glove, that provides him most value despite questions about his power. He’s considered an average defender at second base with room for improvement.”
Leandro Arias (SS) – (video) Switch hitter ($600,00) – “Arias, a switch-hitting shortstop, has power potential from both sides of the plate. He has shown good bat-to-ball skills and has been praised for his overall hitting ability, including his advanced approach at the plate. His emerging run tool projects to be solid to average. The 16-year-old is still fine-tuning his actions on defense, but is expected to have enough arm strength and the skills necessary to keep him at shortstop as he makes his way through the Minors. Arias was ranked as the No. 46 prospect on the MLBPipeline.com top 50 prospects list. He’s a 16-year-old switch-hitter who gets 50 and 55 grades from MLBPipeline.com. “
Edwin Amparo (SS) – (video) switch hitter ($650,00) – Very similar to Arias. Can play Short. Targeted him early. Has the arm to stick at short. Once considered a 7 figure player.
Thomas Sosa (OF) – (video) ($400,000) – Really like the approach, bat to ball skills. Wasn’t being showcased at the time. “Gregory Polanco” body type. Can hit run, hit for some power.
Adrian Santos, (SS) Dominican Republic -($285k) RH, 6-3, lean. Has a good arm at SS. Maybe some power
Jean Mata (OF) – (swing video, video) – Venezuelan – ($210,000) Big game player. Lot of hit, can really run.
Raylin Ramos, (OF) Dominican Republic – ($200,000) – Physical tools, some power.
Yirber Ruiz, (OF) Dominican Republic – ($200,000) CF, switch hitter, good runner, good performer. High profile who’s market came back.
Aron Estrada, (INF) Venezuela – (175,000) Switch hitting INF. Defensively has a way to go. Good athlete.
Henry Tejada, (RHP) Dominican Republic – (165k) – RHP. 88-90, pitchability. More in there.
Cristian Benavides (SS), Venezuela – ($150,000) Good looking SS, some power, Right-hander. Tall and skinny. Average arm
Edrei Campos, (SS) Dominican Republic – ($150,000) Straight bat. Keeps getting better. Got stronger. Got him late when his market fail. Not as polished defensively.
Elis Cuevas, (SS) Dominican Republic – (150,000) Switch hitter SS. Chance with the bat, defensively improving. Good tools. Development guy.
Jean Carlos Martinez – (OF) – (125k) Big strong guy, really athletic guy. Paperwork issues, age issues but cleared by.
Andrés Nolaya, (C) Venezuela – ($100k) Athletic catcher. Really good arm. Plays outfield as well. Can really run.
Jesús Palacios, (RHP) Venezuela – (90k) Feel for three pitches, 87-90, t91. More in there when he gets strength. 6-2.
Juan Peña, (RHP) Dominican Republic – ($75k) – Good change and slider, run it up 92. Command comes and goes. 6-1.
José Noguera, (C) Venezuela – $50,000. Defense first catcher, some strength.
Adrián Delgado, (RHP) Venezuela – ($50,000) (RHP) , runs it up 93 MPH. Command comes and goes.
Fernando Peguero, (SS) Dominican Republic – ($50k) Switch hitting middle infielder. Undersized. A performer. Can run.
Ezequiel Bonilla, (RHP) Panama – ($35,000) Pitchability strike thrower, run it up 88-91.
Alfredo Velásquez, (INF) Venezula – (20k) Undersized, INF, probably 2B.
Elías Moscoso, (RHP) Venezuela – (10K) – Undersized Righthander. Good arm.
Andrés Parra, (LHP) Venezuela – (10k) – Pitchability lefty.
Ronal Hererra, (RHP) Dominican Republic – (10K) – RHP, can pitch up to 92-94.
Miguel Mesa, (RHP) Dominican Republic –
