Atlanta Braves active early in international market
The Atlanta Braves started off the 2017-18 international signing season quickly plucking four Dominican players on day one.
Last year’s international spending spree not only netted a boat load of talent it also meant the Atlanta Braves are restricted to signing bonuses of $300,00 or less. That doesn’t seen to have slowed them down.
According to Baseball America’s Ben Badler ($) the Braves already have agreements with outfielders Asmin Bautista and Geraldo Santana, shortstop Ramon Taveras and RHP Oscar Nunez, all from the Dominican Republic.
There’s not a lot of data available for these players, they are young and relatively unknown
#Braves agree terms with Asmin Bautista "internationalsigningperiod pic.twitter.com/WcZ9aUp3wL
— Chief_Fred (@FredEOwens) July 2, 2017
Asmin Bautista
According to his audition video last summer is a 16-year-old (9/27/200), 5‘ 11” 190 pound outfielder who hits and throws left-handed. He looks a bit heavier in one of his videos but that could just be the camera angle. His swing looks like it could produce line drives and develop some power as ‘he matures. His has a smooth, level swing with a leg kick load more pronounced in a the video I chose not to use because the quality isn’t very good. It reminded me of Charley Lau’s hit’s style from days gone by.
Geraldo Santana
Santana is older and bigger than Bautista at 6’2”, at 190 pounds and 17-years-old (turns 18 September 12). He looks slim and looks like he can run but unlike Bautista’s video Santana’s doesn’t show is 60 yard time of on defense.
He has a level swing with no wasted motions and enough lift to suggest some power.
#Braves sign RHP Oscar Nunez for $185K bonus #intermationalsigningperiod pic.twitter.com/yYcqO9GmU7
— Chief_Fred (@FredEOwens) July 2, 2017
Ramon Taveras and Oscar Nunez
The Braves seem to like be drawn to players named Ramon Taveras. They signed right-handed pitcher Ramon Antonio Taveras on June 23, 2104 at 18 years old. Since that time he’s been with the GCL Braves.
Atlanta Braves
The Ramon Taveras they’ve agreed so sign now is – according to the Baseball America, “. . .a speedy, 5-foot-10 shortstop who might end up at second base. Taveras turns 16 in August so there won’t be bonus news until that time. I’d like to tell you more but that’s all I could find on him.
The only player of the four who actually signed is Nunez who agreed to a $180K bonus. Oddly I can’t find a video about him and had to dig through Facebook for the tweet I sent earlier.
That’s A Wrap
the International signing period isn’t as immediately impactful as the rule four draft. With few exceptions it can be six year process before any of the signing appear.
Next: Best of the Minors For June
That said good players do appear; Ronald Acuna and Ozzie Albies were both relatively inexpensive signings that are on their way to becoming future Atlanta Braves stars.
As we hear more about these players and other who have reached agreement with the Braves we’ll keep you informed here at the Take.