The Orioles opened the 2024 international signing period by coming to agreements with two top prospects, with more expected to be added soon.
There likely will be no record bonuses given out this year, as has been the case for the past three seasons, but the Orioles still doled out $1.3 million to shortstop Emilio Sanchez and $950,000 to outfielder Stiven Martinez, a source told the Baltimore Banner. Both are 16-year-olds from the Dominican Republic and ranked 30th and 38th, respectively, on Baseball America’s 2024 international prospects list.
Sanchez stands out both offensively and defensively, showing power potential and a strong, accurate arm, according to scouting reports from Baseball America and MLB Pipeline. Martinez has raw power and an aggressive nature at the plate. Defensively, he has a strong arm but is likely slated to a corner outfield spot.
The Orioles have an international pool of $7,114,800 for the period, which runs until Dec. 15. A player has to be at least 16 to be eligible to sign.
