With 17 international free agents signed Friday, including two signed to the first seven-figure bonuses in club history, Orioles executive vice president and general manager Mike Elias heralded it a “landmark day” in the team’s rebuilding efforts.
“It marks the first time in club history that we have signed seven-figure prospects on J2,” Elias said in a statement. Traditionally, the international signing period for 16-year-old amateurs begins each year on July 2, known as J2 around the game, though the 2020 signing period was delayed by the coronavirus pandemic.
“Thanks to the backing of the partnership group, and the excellent work [senior director of international scouting Koby Perez] and his team have done, we believe this historic signing class will substantially accelerate the construction of our strong pipeline in the international scene, which will benefit the organization for years to come.