The Mets have been making big moves in the Dominican Republic!
After celebrating the graduation of the team’s Dominican Academy on Saturday, New York has signed three of MLB Pipeline’s top 50 international free agents in this period as part of Monday’s International Signing Day.
The three players are catcher Yovanny Rodriguez (ranked No. 6), shortstop Yensi Rivas (No. 31) and outfielder Edward Lantigua (No. 41). The Mets did not officially sign shortstop Raymel Ortiz (No. 26).
Rodriguez signed a $2.85 million signing bonus (the fifth-highest in franchise history), Lantigua received a $950,000 signing bonus, and Rivas got a $500,000 bonus.
In addition to signing those three, the Mets have added 17 more players to their roster, creating a total of 20 new prospects.
Among the signings is outfielder/first baseman Vladi Miguel Guerrero, son of former MLB player and Hall of Famer Vladimir Guerrero Sr. and brother of current MLB player on the Toronto Blue Jays and three-time All-Star, Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
Like his dad and brother, the 17-year-old Guerrero is known for his power. Unlike his dad and brother, however, Guerrero hits from the left side.
If the newest Guerrero to enter professional baseball turns out to be anything like his dad and/or brother, who have hit 579 home runs between the two of them, the Mets will be extremely happy.
Here’s a full list of the players signed:
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Yovanny Rodriguez – C (No. 6)
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Yensi Rivas – INF (No. 31)
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Edward Lantigua – OF (No. 41)
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Leandy Mella – INF
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Bohan Adderley – INF/OF
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Vladi Guerrero – OF/INF
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Luis Montero – LHP
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Maxgregori Harvey – RHP
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Angel De La Rosa – LHP
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Leyvi Rodriguez – RHP
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Anthony Delgado – OF
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Fidel Pinango – INF/OF
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Jonnhan Sanchez – OF
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Josmir Reyes – C
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Leiner Ramirez – INF
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Rocky Solano – OF
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Starling Fernandez – INF
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Roybert Herrera – INF/OF
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Diover De Aza – INF
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Franklin Candelario – OF