Blue Jays International Spending Post-Ohtani

Sadly, the Blue Jays did not make the cut for the finals of the Ohtani Sweepstakes.  What other options exist for spending their remaining international pool money?

The Jays are reported to have about $1 million left in their international pool.  Now that it is clear that it will not be going to Ohtani, the Jays will be looking for other players on which to spend.

In a normal year, their options would be limited as most signings take place in the summer.  But this year is different.  The Atlanta Braves were stripped of 13 prospects due to some seriously egregious ethical violations, and the Minnesota Twins pulled back an offer on a top prospect due to medical concerns.  So there are an unusual number of international prospects looking for a home.

Which ones should the Jays target?

Kevin Maitan

*Update- Maitan agreed to a deal with the Angels for 2.2 million after this piece was submitted*

Perhaps the biggest “name” of the now-free-agents is Kevin Maitan, who was signed by Atlanta for $4.25 million in 2016.  Kevin was the second-ranked international prospect at that time (Luis Robert, in case you were wondering) and was considered one of the best young international hitters in years.  But since then, his stock has declined.  Maitan has gone from a 185-pound amateur to a 210-pound 17 year old, causing most scouts to doubt that he could stick at shortstop and several to doubt that he could even stick at third base.  His bat speed and eye did not impress in rookie ball, with a 60 wRC+.  While it is far too early to give up on him, he is clearly not perceived as having the same upside he had at 15.

That said, it is possible that his 2017 struggles could reduce the interest from other teams and make him a buy-low opportunity with huge upside for Toronto.

Jelfry Marte

Jelfrey was ranked as the 13th best 2017 international prospect by Baseball America (third best by mlb.com).  He was signed by the Twins for three million, but the contract was voided after a physical due to issues with his eyesight.  Marte is now an unrestricted free agent, free to sign with any team.

Marte is a solid defender at short, with a good chance to remain in that position.  At the plate, mlb.com describes him like this:

"At the plate, Marte makes consistent hard contact from both sides of the plate. He has shown good bat speed and a solid hitting approach. He is a line-drive hitter now, but could develop some pop as he grows and his body matures."

The issue with Marte’s physical  had to do with his vision.  But, while this might reduce his asking price, he might still be worth a gamble.

Toronto Blue Jays

Bae Ji-hwan

Ji-Hwan was signed by Atlanta for $300k directly out of Korean high school (a rarity, as most Korean signees first play for the Korean professional baseball league).  The Braves (hyperbole alert) saw him as the best prospect in Asia, and compared him to Trea Turner.  Atlanta apparently spent considerable time in convincing the young shortstop to forego the Korean league and come directly to North America.  Now that he is here, it seems unlikely that he would choose to return to Korea.  Might the Jays benefit from Atlanta’s hard work?

Juan Contreras

Contreras was signed out of the Dominican for $1.2 million in 2016.  He has a 95 mph fastball and a slider that flashes plus. He was considered a low-floor pick because even if he did not develop a third pitch, he could still be a force out of the bullpen.  But if he did find that third pitch, he would have top-of-the-rotation upside.  He struggled in rookie ball in 2017, in a very small sample size, with a 10.13 BB/9 (and only a 5.30 K/9) , but he is still only 18 years old.  An interesting upside play for a team like the Jays?

Yefri Del Rosario

Yefri is very much like Juan Contreras.  He has a mid-90s fastball and a slider which, while inconsistent, shows great potential.  He has yet to develop a third pitch, but at 18 years old it would be surprising if he had.  Baseball America reports concerns about his mechanics, which could lead to an eventual bullpen role.  But like Juan, the Jays would likely keep him as a starter as long as possible, keeping a power bullpen role as a fallback.

The rest

There are many other players available that could be interesting targets.  As for example – Abrahan Gutierrez is a strong defensive catcher, but without much game power.  Yunior Severino is a bat-first second baseman, and Yenci Pena had plus defense at short and a 55 hit tool.

Next: If the Tigers blow it up, give me Castellanos

The bottom line

If these players are smart, they will try to catch on with an MLB organization before the upcoming minor league year to avoid delaying their development.  If they are very smart, they will make the decision as to which team to favour based more on development than on adding to their existing bonus money (which they get to keep).  The Jays’ recent MiLB successes (3 players on the all-minors first all star team) should make Toronto an attractive destination.