July 21, 2015: Detroit Tigers right fielder J.D. Martinez (28) hits a long two run homer over the camera porch in center field in the third inning during the game on Tuesday evening, Comerica Park, Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Steven King/Icon Sportswire/Corbis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The Baltimore Orioles announced the signing of 19 international prospects after the first day of the 2024 signing period.
The Orioles, who are coming off a 101-win season at the MLB level and just opened their new Dominican Republic Baseball Academy, had $7.114 million to spend internationally. If the Orioles have money left over after their initial signings it must be used by Dec. 15.
The Orioles managed to agree to terms with a pair of Top 30 prospects at the start of the period on Monday.
Outfielder Stiven Martinez was MLB Pipeline’s No. 28 prospect, while shortstop Emilio Sanchez was MLB Pipeline’s No. 30 prospect. Both are from the Dominican Republic.
Sanchez signed for a reported $1.3 million bonus while Martinez signed for $950,000.
The class focuses heavily on talent from the Dominican Republic, while the rest of the signings are from Venezuela. The position breakdown includes two catchers, five shortstops, two third basemen, six outfielders and four pitchers.
Last January the Orioles’ most significant international signing was shortstop Luis Almeyda, who nabbed a $2.3 million bonus from the club. That was the largest bonus given out in club history.
