Monday marked the start of the window to sign amateur international free agents.
January 15 has become the most important day of the year for academies, trainers, instructors, scouts, and young, aspiring major leaguers.
All their hopes and dreams are invested on that day.
The Cleveland Guardians were very much active on Monday, and used the day as a prime opportunity to fill their minor league system with excellent talent.
“Today we signed 25 international free agents at our complex in the Dominican Republic. We also want to give a huge shoutout to our international scouting staff, as today would not be possible without all their hard work,” the team tweeted.
Today we signed 25 international free agents at our complex in the Dominican Republic.
We also want to give a huge shoutout to our international scouting staff, as today would not be possible without all their hard work. 👏#ForTheLand pic.twitter.com/bfyTCU24lN
— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) January 15, 2024
To secure 25 players in the international market means that the organization as a whole worked hand in hand to convince these young players that joining the Guardians was their best choice.
It’s quite a haul, led by outfielder Roberto Arias, ranked 13th in MLB Pipeline’s list of best prospects ahead of the signing period.
Arias received a $1.9 million signing bonus.
He was the only top-50 guy that the Guardians brought in, so their job this year was more about quantity than quality.
They decided to spread the wealth instead of focusing on a big-money signing.
The Guardians are hoping their instructors and player development staff can find some diamonds in the rough among those 25 players.
NEXT: Guardians Complete Full 2024 Coaching Staff
