Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Sox Sign Two Top International Free Agents

Rafael Devers
Well, they didn't go with our choice (Dominican outfielder Micker Adolfo Zapata), but the Red Sox did take advantage of their extra bonus pool cash by signing 16-year old Dominican third baseman Rafael Devers and Venezuelan left-handed pitcher Emmanuel DeJesus. Devers is ranked as the sixth-best overall International Prospect by MLB.com. He is 6' and 175 pounds and is considered by some scouts to be the best left-handed hitter on he international market. He reportedly has gap-to-gap power and reminds some of Robinson Cano. In fact, he may project better as a second baseman due to a lack of superior arm strength. DeJesus was ranked #24 overall by MLB.com and is said to be a power-arm strike-thrower with good command. The tall lefty (6'3") has a good variety of secondary pitches—including a plus change-up. The Red Sox are now projected to have about $900,000 left in their bonus pool to spend on other international free agents.