January represents the possibility for all 30 Major League Baseball teams to sign international free agents and the New York Mets landed the best prospect available after signing Dominican shortstop Elian Peña for five million dollars.
The Mets lost out on Roki Sasaki, but ended up with what they hope will be a good consolation prize in 17-year-old shortstop Elian Peña from the Dominican Republic, a source confirmed.
Considered by some scouts to be the next best international free agent, Peña signed a $5 million deal with the Mets on Wednesday, which was a record for the New Yorkers, on the first day of the international signing period, after initially agreeing to a deal last season.
If Sasaki had signed, they would not have been able to sign Peña
Scouts say the Dominican has outstanding speed, is athletic and manages to combine the ability to hit to any side of the field, despite his left-handed profile, as well as strength that also allows him to hit home runs.
Thanks to his talent, Peña is expected to be included in the list of the top 10 prospects in Major League Baseball after the 2025 update.
The decision takes up most of the team’s $6.2 million bonus pool.
If the Mets had been able to sign Sasaki, the Japanese right-handed pitcher who has narrowed his options to the Dodgers, Padres and Blue Jays, they would not have had enough money to bring in Pena.
Peña achieves record figure in MLB
Peña’s bonus is the largest in franchise history, far surpassing the $2.85 million received by Venezuelan catcher Yovanny Rodriguez a year ago.
It is also recognized that this move is the largest for any Latin player this year, as well as being one of the largest bonuses in MLB history.
Standing at 5-foot-10, the left-handed hitter has impressed more at the plate than in the field.
“If you don’t get Sasaki, this will make it easier to sign him,” said an American League scout of Pena. “I’m not sure there’s anyone with more offensive potential than Pena.”
His glove needs some work, according to scouts, but he has signed for his bat.
“You’re never sure how these guys are going to develop physically or skill-wise, but he already has a swing that stands out,” the scout said.
There has been a lot of talk about Pena and Rafael Devers, Boston’s third baseman, but another scout is not convinced that he will hit so many home runs.
“He’s got power, discipline at the plate and he knows how to play,” the scout said. “He’s going to be a dangerous, complete hitter if all goes well.”
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