A roster for the cost of one top prospect
Like the All-Star example with Sano, I thought we’d have fun with one of the higher-priced signees. My goal was to see if I could get an entire starting roster (8 position players, starting 5 pitchers, 1 reliever) for equal to or less than one of the top prospects.
My choice was to put together a full team for equal to or less than the bonus of the first Latin player with a 7-figure bonus on the top 150, #3 overall prospect Vladimir Guerrero, Jr., who the Toronto Blue Jays signed in 2015 for $3.9 million.
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Infield
We will start with catcher Keibert Ruiz ($140K). A few infielders had to play out of position a bit to make things work, which put Miguel Andujar ($700K) at first base, Jorge Mateo ($250K) at second, Francisco Mejia ($350K) at third, and Padres superstar Fernando Tatis, Jr. at shortstop ($700K).
Outfield
Tremendous options for the outfield, but certainly hard to beat this talent and skill level for just over $500K combined! Top overall prospect Ronald Acuna ($100K) was an easy addition to lead the outfield that’s really made of three outfielders as Acuna will be in the outfield with Victor Robles ($225K) and Estevan Florial ($200K). All told, $525K for three outfielders in my top 20 overall players.
Pitchers
A blend of upper minors and low minors was the goal along with top end talent, though the least-expensive initial signee leads the staff with #14 overall prospect Sixto Sanchez ($35K) leading the staff. Following Sixto are Sandy Alcantara ($125K), Albert Abreu ($185K), Fernando Romero ($260K), and fellow Phillies prospect Franklyn Kilome ($40K).
The lowest-priced player on the entire team is the pitcher chosen as the reliever, as towering 6’8″ Domingo Acevedo can launch his 103 MPH fastball and only cost $7,500 to sign.
Total cost
The overall price tag on the team ends up at $3,317,500, almost $600K less than what Guerrero alone signed for! There are also 5 players in the top 15 overall prospects on the team, so there’s certainly plenty of top-end talent without spending big money.
Next: CTTP's Top 150 prospects
So the next time you hear about a big Latin American signing for your favorite team, before you start planning out his big league future, you might want to also check out the most recent “cheap” signing by your team as well.