Baltimore Orioles finally do something with international spending pool
By David Hill
The Baltimore Orioles have finally done something with their international signing bonus money, as they sent a portion to the Texas Rangers for minor league pitcher David Lebron.
Over the course of the 2018-19 signing period, the Baltimore Orioles did something they never had before – acquired international bonus money from other organizations. Typically, the Orioles would trade their own allocated money away, preferring to sit out the international signing period. This marked a surprising change for the organization, and one that was sorely needed given the status of their farm system.
However, the Orioles have been shut out on the international market. Despite their efforts, the likes of Victor Mesa and Sandy Gaston signed elsewhere. The only remaining top international prospect, Yolbert Sanchez, may wait until the next signing period to ink a contract. Even though the Orioles possess over $6 million in bonus money, their previous indifference to the market remains a roadblock to their ability to sign top talent.
Finally, on Sunday, the Orioles did something with that money. They sent a portion of that bonus pool to the Texas Rangers in exchange for minor league pitcher David Lebron.
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Interestingly, if the Orioles are indeed interested in Sanchez, the Rangers are considered to be one of the teams competing for his services. However, the Rangers had only $850,000 remaining in their signing pool, so even the money acquired from Baltimore would not make a significant difference.
Even with that deal, the Orioles have a major advantage when it comes to adding the Cuban shortstop. The next closest team in terms of remaining cap would be the Dodgers, who have approximately $1.4 million left. If Sanchez is looking for the most money, the Orioles are the team to look to.
Even if the Orioles are shut out during this period, and do not land Sanchez, they at least got something for their money. Lebron, a 26th round selection in the 2018 MLB Draft, looked like an interesting relief prospect during his professional debut. He posted a 1.31 ERA and a 0.871 WHiP across two levels last season, striking out 19 batters with six walks over his 20.2 innings. However, he was shut down due to injury at the end of last season.
If healthy, Lebron could be a fast riser through the Orioles system. Already 25 years old, he could start the year again in High-A, with an eye to AA should he perform well. Baltimore is in need of bullpen pieces, making Lebron an even more interesting prospect.
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The Baltimore Orioles have finally done something with their international signing bonus money. Even thouch it was not used on an international free agent, they still acquired an interesting piece in David Lebron.