With all of the chaos of the offseason, it is easy to forget that the international free agent market is set to open up on January 15. The Atlanta Braves have benefitted greatly from international free agent success stories, though their recent track record is going to require a rebound if it is going to look respectable. While the Braves are not expected to be in play for the absolute top names this year, that doesn't mean they aren't going to add players of value.
More and more information about this international free agent class is becoming available now that the opening of the market is coming up. Getting accurate information on international teenagers isn't exactly easy, but the fine folks at Baseball America put together their international bonus board and within that, it shows the Braves adding two top 50 bonuses in this year's class in shortstop Jose Mañon and outfielder Starling De La Cruz.
Braves expected to sign shortstop Jose Mañon and outfielder Starling De La Cruz when international free agency opens up
Unlike previous years when the Braves signed top names like Jose Perdomo, Atlanta is being a bit more tame this year. However, both Mañon and De La Cruz both have potential that exceeds where their bonuses are likely to rank league-wide.
In Mañon, the Braves are getting a guy who has a chance to stick at shortstop assuming he can improve his arm strength a bit. However, what likely has Atlanta excited about him is his bat where he has the bat-to-ball skills to hit for average, but the build and athleticism to hit for real power in the future. At a listed 6'2 and 175, there is room for Mañon to add some strength as well without compromising his speed too much as well.
As for De La Cruz, his profile may have Braves fans reminded of peak Michael Harris II as a left-handed hitter who is really fast, is a strong defender in center field, and who has plus bat speed that gives him more power than you would think. At 5'9, he is a touch on the small side, but the tools are loud despite his size.
It is going to be years before we know for certain as to whether or not the Braves hit on these guys and there are definitely going to be some players that don't get big bonuses that become real prospects. However, it does feel like the Braves may have unearthed some real talent with their top two international targets here and didn't have to necessarily break the bank to add them.