The New York Mets signed three international free agents yesterday who were all ranked in MLB.com’s top 50 international players list.
New York Mets sign catcher Daiverson Gutierrez:
They added Daiverson Gutierrez, a 17-year-old catcher, who was ranked 27th on the top 50 list MLB.com has. Gutierrez is listed at 6-foot-2, 206 pounds, is from Venezuela, and got a $1.9 million signing bonus with the Mets. The young prospect is well-known for his talent as a right-handed hitter with some power while being a steady player defensively at catcher, having a notable arm. Gutierrez has been lauded for his leadership intangibles.
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New York Mets sign outfielder Anthony Baptist:
The Mets also acquired Anthony Baptist, a 17-year-old outfielder from the Dominican Republic, with a $1.1 million signing bonus. He is a left-handed hitter and defender, listed at 5-foot-11 and 155 pounds. On MLB.com, Baptist is ranked as the 29th international player. His top trait is his blazing speed, and due to it, he is projected to be a center fielder. The speed Baptist has allows him the range required to cover a lot of ground. That speed also gives him the potential to be a base-stealing machine for the Mets. Reportedly, Baptist has been timed at 6.1 seconds while doing the 60-yard-timed run.
New York Mets sign shortstop Christopher Larez:
Lastly, from the pool of top international prospects, the team agreed to terms with the 43rd-ranked prospect, shortstop Christopher Larez. His signing bonus amount was $1.5 million. He has a right-handed bat and arm, listed at 6-foot-1 and 185 pounds. Larez is from Venezuela. His projected upside is as a five-tool shortstop, as he is well-documented for his polish and instincts at the position. Larez has proven some ability to hit for contact, and still being 17 years old, his power should improve as he gains experience and grows.
A few other international free agents signed by the New York Mets:
The Mets also added some young arms through this international free-agency period. They signed two left-handed pitchers, both of whom are from Cuba, in Wilmer Lugo and Daviel Hurtado. Hurtado is 19 years old, has thrown a fastball up to 95 miles per hour, and has a curveball as well. Lugo has some power to his fastball, which has reached the mid-90s, while also having a curveball and changeup.