July 5, 2024

Philadelphia Phillies

Phillies outdone by NL East rival Braves, Mets on international signing day

The battle for the NL East on the field is still months away, but on Monday, the teams competed on the opening day of the 2024 MLB international signing period.

Now that the dust has settled after the opening day of MLB’s 2024 international signing period, we can take a step back, take a breath, survey the landscape around the NL East and see how the Philadelphia Phillies’ division rivals fared on the first day of the international free agent market.

For their part, the Phillies added one of MLB Pipeline’s Top 50 international prospects, Jalvin Arias, out of the Dominican Republic. Ranked as the No. 19 prospect and the seventh-overall outfielder, the Phillies got a player with a lot of upside. The 17-year-old is touted as a smooth-fielding outfielder with a big 6-foot-3, 210-pound frame who already has gap-to-gap power with plenty of potential for over-the-fence pop.

So, how did the rest of the NL East do with their signings?

Philadelphia Phillies

How did the Atlanta Braves do on international signing day?

The Phillies’ biggest nemesis currently, the Atlanta Braves, also only made a deal with one Top 50 international prospect on Monday. However, the difference is $3.6 million and 16 spots in the prospect rankings.

The Braves agreed to terms with shortstop Jose Perdomo out of Venezuela, Pipeline’s No. 3 prospect. General manager Alex Anthopolous forked over $5 million of their $5.284 million signing pool to secure the 17-year-old and add “… one of the purest hitters in this year’s international market to their organization,” according to Pipeline.

Perdomo already has above-average bat-to-ball skills, makes hard contact and doesn’t strikeout very often, and always puts the ball in play.

Philadelphia Phillies

How did the New York Mets do on international signing day?

The New York Mets came to play this year with their $5.284 million base signing pool. Three of the 20 players signed on Monday rank in Pipeline’s Top 50 prospects. Plus, they signed Vladi Miguel Guerrero, son of Vladimir Guerrero Sr.

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The Mets top get, however, was Pipeline’s No. 6 prospect, catcher Yovanny Rodriguez from Venezuela, who agreed to $2.85 million. They also nabbed the No. 31 prospect, shortstop Yensi Rivas from the Dominican for $500,000, and No. 41 Edward Lantigua, a Dominican outfielder, for $950,000

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