Kansas City Royals Ink Prospect Because of Yordano Ventura
By David Hill
The Kansas City Royals landed an intriguing prospect in Yefri Del Rosario. Their former star, the late Yordano Ventura, helped make the signing possible.
Back in 2016, the Kansas City Royals had interest in a young prospect in the Dominican Republic named Yefri Del Rosario. A 16 year old pitcher, had idolized Royals pitcher Yordano Ventura, with his delivery almost perfectly matching the Kansas City starter. However, with the Royals firmly in the penalty in regards to international bonus money, Del Rosario ended up signing with the Atlanta Braves.
He showed some potential in 2017. After a strong start in the Dominican Summer League, Del Rosario came stateside, joining the Braves Gulf Coast League team. Overall, he posted a strong 3.62 ERA and a 1.393 WHiP, as he transitioned between the rotation and the bullpen. In his 37.1 innings, Del Rosario struck out 36 batters while issuing only 14 walks.
One of the 12 prospects that were cut loose as punishment for the Braves international violations, Del Rosario was again a highly sought after commodity. This time, the Royals were able to ink the Dominican righty, signing him to a $650,000 bonus.
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For the Royals, it is a rare opportunity to land one of the better international prospects currently available while in the penalty. They were able to borrow against next year’s allotted sum to sign Del Rosario, allowing them to get a player that likely slots in as one of their top ten prospects.
In addition, the Royals received a bargain. Del Rosario reportedly had offers for a higher bonus, but wanted to sign with Ventura’s franchise. In joining Kansas City, he can look to emulate his idol, and join what may have been his preferred destination at the beginning of his professional journey.
Although Del Rosario may not be Ventura, he has plenty of potential going forward. He already added three or four miles per hour to his fastball, and sits in the mid 90s. Considered a projectable power arm, Del Rosario is the type of prospect that the Royals need to help begin the rebuilding process.
The Kansas City Royals and Yefri Del Rosario had mutual interest back in 2016. Due to the Braves penalties, Del Rosario can look to honor his idol on Ventura’s team.