Breaking down International Free Agent Signing Day
While the market for major league free agents has been a snail's pace this offseason, Monday marked a day where activity wasn't hard to find.
It's the beginning of the International Free Signing Period.
While the players agreeing to terms during this stretch - which starts on Jan. 15 and stretches to Dec. 15 - won't see the majors for at least a few years, the names involved should be noted. In the Red Sox' current world, players like Brayan Bello, Rafael Devers and highly-touted prospect Miguel Bleis saw their professional path start on days like this one.
According to a major league source, the Red Sox have gotten a commitment this time around from a notable 17-year-old free agent outfielder, Vladimir Asencio.
While it is not known how much of the Red Sox' $5.284 million bonus pool will be used for the Dominican Republic native he is ranked as the No. 33 overall International Free Agent prospect by MLB Pipeline.
Per a source, other highly-touted Red Sox signings also include 6-foot-5 righty pitcher Dalvinson Reyes and centerfielder Anderson Fermin.
This is the scouting report on the Dominican Republic native from MLB Pipeline:
Scouting grades: Hit: 55 | Power: 50 | Run: 50 | Arm: 50 | Field: 50 | Overall: 50
Asencio is the latest top-tier international prospect to have trained with Mejia Top 10 in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, which recently produced Cristian Hernandez (Cubs) and Miguel Bleis (Red Sox). Many clubs have shown interest in inking Asencio, who boasts loads of physical projection at just 5-foot-10 and 170 pounds.
Armed with a sound bat path and slight uppercut stroke, Asencio has a knack for utilizing the opposing field. He has made consistent hard contact during games, and evaluators believe he will grow into more power as he matures. He remains very much hit-over-power at this stage of his development, but he does sport some sneaky pop.
Athleticism is the first thing that jumps off the page with Asencio. Although he has just average arm strength from center field with fair footwork and range, his speed should enable him to maximize his tools defensively. That same quickness figures to play to his advantage on the basepaths with his medium-sized frame.
The Red Sox top commitment in last year's International Free Agent Draft, shortstop Yoeilin Cespedes, signed for $1.4 million. The 18-year-old went on to have an outstanding first professional season, hitting .346 with a .953 OPS in 46 games in the Dominican Summer League.
For a good look at the International Free Agent Signing Period - including a scouting report on Ascencio (at the 26:22 mark) - listen to MLB.com's Jesse Sanchez on the 'Baseball Isn't Boring' podcast: