The Mariners have signed 11 international free agents in this class
SEATTLE, Wash. — Seattle Mariners Director of International Amateur Scouting Frankie Thon Jr. today announced the following international signings:
· Sebastian Barrios, RHP, Guatemala
· William Calderon, RHP, Panama
· Joaan De Jesus, INF/C, Dominican Republic
· Carlos Gonzalez, C, Panama
· Federik Jimenez, RHP, Dominican Republic
· Erick Rodriguez, RHP, Venezuela
· Wuilliams Rodriguez, RHP, Venezuela
· Dervy Ventura, UTIL, Dominican Republic
“We are excited to add this crop of young talent to our organization,” Thon Jr. said. “We are extremely proud of everyone involved in the process of evaluating and signing these young men. It’s a memorable day for these 8 players, as well as their families. We look forward to the start of their pro careers with the Mariners.”
Below is a brief description from Thon Jr. on the signings:
Barrios, 18, is a right-handed pitcher out of Guatemala. He has a wiry, 6-foot-1 frame and has been a multi-sport athlete in his youth. He possesses a loose arm with an athletic delivery. Barrios’ velocity is currently in the high-80s with above-average control.
Calderon, 17, is a right-handed pitcher out of Panama. He has an up-tempo delivery with plenty of deception and possesses excellent athleticism. His velocity is currently in the high-80s and he flashes a tight, above-average slider in his pitching arsenal.
De Jesus, 17, is an infielder/catcher out of the Dominican Republic. The 5-foot-10 backstop has a strong frame. He possesses defensive versatility and an above-average throwing arm. De Jesus has shown raw power, excellent bat speed and a plus baseball IQ.
Gonzalez, 18, is a catcher out of Panama. He has shown solid tools defensively behind the plate. He is 6 feet tall and showed above-average raw power. He has been praised for his toughness. Gonzalez excelled at national tournaments in his home country of Panama.
Jimenez, 17, is a right-handed pitcher out of the Dominican Republic. At 6-foot-1, he sports a long and wiry-strong frame, with a high-arm slot delivery. He projects as a power reliever, pairing a fastball that currently sits in the low 90’s, with a developing curveball that has already shown flashes of being a solid pitch.
E. Rodriguez, 18, is a right-handed pitcher out of Venezuela. He has a physical 6-foot-1 frame but is surprisingly agile due to his athleticism. His fastball velocity currently sits in high 80’s to low 90s, with hitters struggling to hit the pitch in the air. He has also shown potential for a solid curveball.
W. Rodriguez, 17, is a right-handed pitcher out of Venezuela. He has a long-limbed, 6-foot-3, frame with a projectable build that contributes to a smooth delivery. He already has a solid feel for his 3-pitch mix. With a fastball in the high 80s, paired with above average control, he has the makings of a potential starter.
Ventura, 18, is a utility player out of the Dominican Republic. He is athletic and versatile in the field, with the ability to play both middle-infield positions, as well as CF. At the plate, the 5-foot-8 utility man is a switch-hitter with a contact-oriented approach that is complimented by his plus speed.
