Francisco Álvarez and Daiverson Gutierrez

International free agency begins on Jan. 15, but this process plays out much like NBA free agency. Teams have been working to sign players, and as soon as the clock strikes midnight, we are going to see many of the top players available officially agree to the deals already negotiated.

As noted by Baseball America, the New York Mets have $5.284 million in bonus pool money to offer to international free agents. If a player is offered a bonus of $10,000 or less, that amount is exempt from the bonus pool.

As we have seen, the Mets have had recent success in international free agency. Currently, Francisco Álvarez is considered the top prospect in all of baseball. Back in 2018, he was given a $2.7 million bonus. That bonus amount surpassed the $2.1 million the Mets gave Ronny Mauricio, who was just named the LIDOM MVP.

The Mets have been active in the international free agency market. Currently, they have been linked to several of the top players available and appear to sign the following once free agency officially opens:

Daiverson Gutierrez, C

Ht: 6’0″     Wt: 180 lb.
B/T: R/R   Age: 9/11/05 (17)
Rankings: 20 (BA), 27 (MLB)
Bonus: $1.9 million

Analysis (MLB Pipeline): “The teenager can hit, and his above-average power potential is noteworthy. Add that he plays a premium position, and it’s no surprise scouts rave about him. His power has developed in the last year, and it’s not hard to envision him hitting in the middle of the order and driving in runs. His power has drawn comparisons to Francisco Álvarez at the same age.”

Cristopher Larez, SS

Ht: 6’1″     Wt: 185 lb.
B/T: R/R   Age: 1/10/06 (17)
Rankings: 25 (BA), 43 (MLB)
Bonus: $1.5 million

Analysis (BA): “He’s a mature hitter for his age, showing good contact skills against live pitching with the strength to drive the ball deep to right-center field over to his pull side and occasional home run power that could develop into average raw power. His speed and arm strength are both above-average tools.”

Anthony Baptist, OF

Ht: 5’10”     Wt: 150 lb.
B/T:L/L   Age: 10/17/05 (17)
Rankings: 29 (MLB)
Bonus: $1.1 million

Analysis (BA): “One of the fastest players in the class, Baptist is also one of the most exciting. He’s expected to start in center field and stay at the position as he develops, primarily because of his speed, but also because he has the potential to be an above-average defender.”

The Mets are also signing Cuban 19-year-old left-hander Daviel Hurtado. The lefty has a fastball up to 95 mph and a big curveball.

With Gutierrez, Larez, and Baptist, the Mets are expected to sign three of the top 50 prospects available. In addition to these prospects, the Mets are anticipated to sign the following players:

  • C Henry Pizani
  • INF Wuilder Cumare
  • OF Alex Acosta
  • Dereck Rodrigues
  • Alejandro Ramirez
  • INF Branny de Olio
  • OF Heriberto Rincon
  • OF Reniel Diaz

Check back with MMO on these and other potential signings.