THE BEST PAID: All international firms, by amounts and countries

By Jesus Perez Vichot (Chuchi)

This January 15 began the period of international signatures. Talented players of different nationalities will fulfill their dream of being part of an MLB organization. Predictably, several Cubans (15) are among the top prospects. It should be noted that since these negotiations began today, they will last almost a year and there are highly valued players who have not yet formalized a contract with any organization.

Different US media have expressed themselves favorably regarding the figure of Oscar Colás, who signed with the White Sox for 2.7 million, bowing above all to the skills of the burly player everyone calls “the Cuban Ohtani.”

We already know that the rookie sensation of the last Cuban National Series, César Prieto, signed for $650,000 with the Baltimore Orioles. It was really expected that his signing would be for a larger sum, but the boy will have the necessary time to demonstrate his talent and be able to aspire to great things.

Christian Vaquero is another one who has left the best impression on scouts and team leaders. He has all the necessary tools to succeed at the highest level, which led him to sign for 4.9 million with the Washington Nationals, a record bonus for this 2022.

Dyan Jorge, Yendry Gómez, Lázaro Montes and Kenny Rojas are not far behind, together with Vaquero and Colás they form a luxury group, it is not surprising that, in the not too distant future, these players will become starters and can demonstrate their potential in the best baseball league in the world.

Time will tell, plenty of talent.

For Cuba, these 6 players are the ones who were among the best paid on January 15, third place among countries.

The Dominican Republic, for its part, led the signings, after signing 20 prospects and taking the second best overall amount (4 million, Roderick Arias, with the Yankees), in addition to the fact that 16 of those 20 talents achieved millionaire bonuses.

Venezuela was not far behind, with 10 signatures, 8 of them over a million dollars, while Colombia (with 2 prospects), Panama (1), Bahamas (1) and Mexico (1) close the list of the best paid.

Let’s review what the main contracts have been so far, taking into account the nationality and the agreement they came to have with the MLB clubs:

Dominican Republic (20):

Roderick Arias, SS, Yankees ($4,000,000)

Anthony Gutierrez, OF, Rangers ($2,000,000)

Simon Juan, OF, Mets ($1,900,000)

Braylin Tavera, OF, Orioles ($1,700,000)

Yasser Mercedes, OF, Twins ($1,700,000)

Jarlin Susana, RHP, Parents ($1,700,000)

Alexis Hernandez, SS, Cubs ($1,300,000)

Martin Gonzales, INF, Mariners ($1,300,000)

Yordany De Los Santos, SS, Pirates ($1,200,000)

Freili Encarnacion, SS, Red Sox ($1,200,000)

Abdidas De La Cruz, SS, D-backs ($1,200,000)

Jose De Jesus, OF, Rangers ($1,200,000)

Randy De Jesus, OF, Angels ($1,200,000)

Fraymi De León, SS, Red Sox ($1,100,000)

Erick Hernandez, OF, White Sox ($1,000,000)

Tony Blanco Jr., OF, Pirates ($900,000)

Henry Ramos, OF, Royals ($800,000)

Yoffry Solano, SS, Marlins ($750,000)

Yilber Herrera, SS, Twins ($700,000)

Leandro Arias, SS, Orioles ($600,000)

Venezuela (10):

Diego Benitez, SS, Braves ($2,500,000)

Luis Meza, C, Blue Jays ($2,250,000)

William Bergolla, SS, Phillies ($2,200,000)

Javier Osorio, SS, Tigers ($2,200,000)

Nelson Rada, OF, Angels ($1,800,000)

Jaison Chourio, OF, Guardians ($1,200,000)

Juan Perez, C, Giants ($1,200,000)

Victor Izturis, C, Guardians ($1,200,000)

Johanfran Garcia, C, Red Sox ($650,000 range)

Bryan Acuna, SS, Twins ($650,000)

Cuba (8):

Cristhian Vaquero, OF, Nationals (est. $4,900,000)

Dyan Jorge, SS, Rockies ($2,800,000)

Oscar Colás, OF, White Sox ($2,700,000)

Lazaro Montes, OF, Mariners ($2,500,000)

Yendry Rojas, SS, Padres ($1,300,000)

Jose Lazaro Contreras, OF, Rays ($1,050,000)

Alberto Hernandez, SS, Astros ($950,000)

Kenny Gomez, OF, Astros ($700,000)

Colombia (2):

Michael Arroyo, SS, Mariners ($1,300,000)

Juan Olmos, C, Royals ($800,000)

Panama (1):

Adam Sanchez, INF, Cubs ($1,500,000)

Bahamas (1)

Ryan Reckley, SS, Giants ($2,200,000)

Mexico (1):

Rosman Verdugo, SS, Parents ($700,000)

(Source MLB.com)