Minnesota Twins Sign Venezuelan Prospect Carlos Aguiar

The Minnesota Twins are continuing to spend in the international free agent market, having inked 16 year old Venezuelan outfielder Carlos Aguiar.

It was one of the worst kept secrets in baseball. Venezuelan outfield prospect Carlos Aguiar was expected to land with the Minnesota Twins, a projection that had been made back in May. However, as Aguiar would not turn 16 years old until August 28, that signing was delayed, giving other teams a chance to jump into the market.

The seemingly inevitable happened this week. The Twins have reportedly inked Aguiar to a contract with a $1 Million signing bonus, fending off several other suitors for his services. This is the second splash that Minnesota has made in the international free agent market, having inked Dominican shortstop Jelfry Marte to a contract with a $3 Million signing bonus at the beginning of the signing period.

Of course, the Twins have plenty of money available for these moves. They entered the signing period with $5.25 Million in their cap, and had acquired another $500,000 in their trade of Brandon Kintzler. Even with this signing, the Twins still have approximately $1.5 Million left to spend without going over the limit.

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Obviously, there are a lot of unknowns when it comes to Aguiar. However, he was ranked 30th out of the top 50 non-Cuban international prospects. A left handed hitter, Aguiar is considered to have plenty of raw power, a toolsy outfielder who has the type of frame and arm to potentially become a solid corner outfielder for the Twins down the line.

While the Twins got one of their players, the news was not entirely positive on the international front. They were also considered the front runners for Mauro Bonifacio, a Dominican outfielder. However, as interest in Bonifacio has picked up throughout the summer, he is expected to sign elsewhere, despite the Twins strong interest.

Next: Interview with Corbin Clouse

The Minnesota Twins are making a splash in the international signing market. Signing outfielder Carlos Aguiar only continues that strong signing period.