With the 2024 International Signing Period set to open at the end of the week (January 15th to be exact), the Braves are already making headlines with the latest news to break. According to MLB insider Hector Gòmez, Atlanta is expected to sign Jose Perdomo, the top ranked international prospect by Baseball America's rankings.
#Braves expected to sign top international prospect Jose Perdomo for a $6.0 million signing bonus record.
— Héctor Gómez (@hgomez27) January 10, 2024
Scouting grades: Hit: 60 | Power: 50 | Run: 55 | Arm: 50 | Field: 55 | Overall: 55
If you’re looking for one of the purest hitters in this class, look no further than… pic.twitter.com/rSdIiI5Zlb
The deal is expected to be around $6 million, which would be a record in terms of international signing bonuses. Perdomo grades well across the board according to the scouting department, and his 55 overall prospect grade would instantly make him the highest graded prospect in the Braves system.
Perdomo is currently seen as a shortstop prospect, with incredible bat to ball skills. Right now, he is listed at just 5 ft 11 inches tall and 170 pounds, despite being born in the year 2006. Given that he is just 17 years-old, there is certainly time for Perdomo to fill out more into his frame. In doing so, we could see even more power and speed than what he has been displaying since a young age.
Perdomo bats and throws right-handed, and has drawn comparisons to the Yankees aggressive hitting infielder, Gleyber Torres. Perdomo is from Venezuela, so I wouldn't be shocked to see Ronald Acuña Jr. listed as one of his favorite players. The Braves were linked to Perdomo as far back as last summer, so don't be shocked to see more signings come this week.
It's nice to see Atlanta utilizing this international market once again, as they attempt to beef back up their farm system. Once the official signing period is open, expect the Braves to be mentioned with numerous prospects, all of which we will provide analysis on. Stay tuned here at the site for all the latest rumblings surrounding the international signing period.