Toronto Blue Jays sign Franklin Barreto for $2 million – MLB News
The Toronto Blue Jays have taken a drastic initiative with their new signing of a top foreign prospect in order to boost their chances to compete in the big league.
Blue Jays on Tuesday, signed Franklin Barreto for $2 million with the hope that in few years he will become a superstar.
Blue Jays’ pitcher Henderson Alvarez, who is also from Venezuela, later stated in the media about the clubs new signing.
"I heard it was $1.7 million, I saw it in a Venezuelan paper, It's criminal the way he swings the bat, He can hit for power and has a real good arm. Maybe I could have held out, asked for more money, But bonus money does not make you a big-leaguer." said Alvarez.
Alvarez has seen the 16-year-old baseball prodigy in tryout camp, as he also told the media that his arrival in the Blue Jays roster will further enhance their level of consistently winning.
Every year, Major League scouts find new talent from around the world while in Latin America especially Venezuela is considered to be the talent hub of baseball.
Ismael Cruz is the head of Latin American operations for the Blue Jays as he signed Barreto for $2 million considering his talents highly required in the franchise in the coming seasons.
As soon as this news hit in the media, some foreign players and especially from Venezuela and who are currently playing in the Major League, commented in the media and stated their own experiences when they were given contracts by the different MLB teams.
Omar Vizquel is also a Venezuelan international as he was selected by the Seattle Mariners with a handsome contract, discussed with the media regarding Barreto’s signing.
"I was happy with my bonus, I wanted a chance to play, Times change. The year I signed, the largest bonus was $12,000 the California Angels gave outfielder Miguel Garcia. They later made him a pitcher." said Vizquel.
Barreto is young, but at the same time is a highly talented player and knows his new role to develop his game for the Blue Jays’ style of play for the future.
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