Since the 2022 World Series ended, MLB teams have had deadlines to exercise or decline team options, and tender players a contract, among other things.
Sunday, however, marked the start of another period.
“The start of the international signing period begins today and once again it is a team effort. Continue to check all 30 team sites, @mlb homepage and @MLBPipeline for the latest information,” MLB.com writer Jesse Sanchez tweeted, inviting fans to follow the process through the league’s official site.
The start of the international signing period begins today and once again it is a team effort. Continue to check all 30 team sites, @mlb homepage and @MLBPipeline for the latest information.
— Jesse Sanchez (@JesseSanchezMLB) January 15, 2023
Each year, January 15 is officially known as the first day of the international signing period for amateur free agents.
The date has a lot of meaning for international prospects everywhere; much like June is huge for potential US draftees.
The international signing period lasts eleven months.
For the vast majority of these young players, the date marks the first step in professional baseball and the realization of a lifelong dream.
This year, the international signing period runs through December 15, 2023.
For many of these prospects, the signing bonus is a much-needed financial aid for their homes and themselves.
Here, you can look at some of the players who have already agreed to deals and the teams that signed them.
Venezuelan catcher Ethan Salas got the largest bonus of the class, at $5.6 million by the San Diego Padres.
Dominican shortstop Felnin Celesten got $4.7 million from the Seattle Mariners; and his countryman Joendry Vargas, who also plays shortstop, received just under $2.1 million from the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Those are the three most highly-regarded prospects in the 2023 class.
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