The 2022-23 international signing period began on Sunday, which saw the Los Angeles Angels add 18 prospects to their organization, including 11 from the Dominican Republic, six from Venezuela and one from Panama.
The Angels entered the day with a bonus pool of $4,644,000, which is $500,000 less than the normal amount due to their signing of Noah Syndergaard last season. Teams can spend beyond their allotted bonus pool amount if international prospects are signed for $10,000 or less.
Teams can also increase or decrease their total bonus pool allotment through trades in increments of $250,000, unless they have less than $250,000 remaining in their pool.
International prospects that are eligible to be signed include any player who resides outside of the United States, Canada or Puerto Rico and has not been enrolled in high school in any of those locations within the past calendar year.
The player must be at least 16 years of age or will turn 16 years of age prior to Sept. 1 of the current signing period. Any player meeting that criteria who registered with MLB becomes eligible to sign a Minor League contract with a club for a signing bonus that fits within said team’s allotted pool.
International players who are not eligible to sign through this process are defined as players who are at least 25 years of age and have played as a professional in a foreign league recognized by Major League Baseball for a minimum of six seasons.
The international signing period runs through Dec. 15, 2023.
The top player signed by the Angels is shortstop Felix Morrobel out of the Dominican Republic, who was ranked No. 50 on the MLB Pipeline Top 50 international prospects list.
The 17-year-old switch-hitter has five-tool potential, and MLB Pipeline describes his defense as smooth with natural instincts for the position and plus athleticism. Offensively, he has strong barrel control and makes hard contract to all fields as a line drive hitter who could develop more power as he gets older.
Angels 2022-23 international signings
Rolando Anzola (RHP, Venezuela)
Eduar Bolivar (C, Venezuela)
Byron Castillo (OF, Dominican Republic)
Javiel Castro (RHP, Dominican Republic)
Samil Dishmey (OF, Dominican Republic)
Edwardo Espinal (OF, Dominican Republic)
Juan Flores (C, Venezuela)
Junior Gonzalez (RHP, Dominican Republic)
Luis Hernandez (OF, Venezuela)
Davidxon Lara (RHP, Venezuela)
Anyelo Marquez (SS, Dominican Republic)
Bran Martinez (SS, Dominican Republic)
Rafael Medina (C, Panama)
Bryan Monte de Oca (RHP, Dominican Republic)
Felix Morrobel (SS, Dominican Republic)
Oswaldo Patino (SS, Venezeula)
Victor Rodriguez (SS, Dominican Republic)
Ubaldo Soto (RHP, Dominican Republic)
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