Twins sign teenage shortstop from Dominican Republic
The Minnesota Twins have agreed to terms with Dominican Republic teenage shortstop Wander Javier, according to MLB.com, citing industry sources.
The deal is reportedly worth $4 million, which would be a club record bonus for an international player, surpassing the $3.1 million the club signed Miguel Sano for in 2009.
Javier is ranked as the eighth-best international prospect according to MLB.com, while Baseball America ranks him ninth.
The scouting report on Javier suggests that he has the potential to be the best all-around player in this class of international free agents, according to MLB.com:
"Javier is a strong teenager with plus raw power and plus arm strength. He's also shown the ability to hit in games in addition to scouting showcases, and his ability with the bat has some scouts thinking that he will be a middle-of-the-order player in the future.
"The teenager has a good build for a shortstop, and he has the defensive actions that will allow him to stay at the position. He could move to third base as his body grows, but he'll start his career in the middle of the diamond."
The Twins are expected to make the signing official after a background check, medical exam and the visa process takes place.
(h/t MLB.com, Star Tribune)
