In an effort to remain competitive, the Atlanta Braves have turned their attention to a crop of international rising stars, signing 14 of them for approximately $5.2 million.
The two hottest prospects who signed on are Venezuela natives Diego Benitez and Douglas Glod, who both made up a significant chunk of that signing pool bonus at $3.8 million, the Braves reported in a press release.
"The Atlanta Braves today announced the organization signed 14 international players," the Braves reported.
Benitez, 17, is a shortstop, though he may be converting to third baseman, Tomahawk Take reported on their site. He has shown good footwork and glove work.
At the plate, he is expected to add some strength to the lineup, with commendable accuracy to boot, the Braves reported. Once he's in the Braves' minor league system, the organization's coaches will work on developing his plate discipline and pitch identification.
Glod is an outfielder who has shown skills at center, though the Braves might convert him to a corner position, Tomahawk Take reported. He has the ability to hit line drives, raising hopes that he'll be a good hitting-for-average batter.
The MLB extended the period to sign international players this year and last year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Braves reported.
Since the up-and-comers won't be in the big league for a while, the Braves also made sure the three pitchers who carried much of the load during last postseason will be back together as the top three in the rotation, the Braves reported. Charlie Morton, Ian Anderson and Max Fried combined to start 11 of the team's 15 postseason games. They helped the Braves take home their first World Series trophy since 1995.
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