3 biggest takeaways for the Mets on International Signing Day

The New York Mets concluded signing day for international prospects that includes multiple players including four top 50 prospects and son of Hall of Famer Vladimir Guerrero. Among the highest bonuses, the Mets selected only players of position with two shortstops, an outfielder, and a catcher.

Previously held on July 2, the renowned international signing period is an important event for MLB teams' farm systems. During this year, the Mets made interesting signings, where these three aspects are the ones that draw the most attention.

The Mets managed to sign Vladimir Guerrero's son for a relatively low bonus

Although the Mets managed to sign four prospects within MLB Pipeline's top 50 international prospects ranking, the player with the most media coverage was Vladi Miguel Guerrero. Vladi, who is just 17 years old, is the son of Hall of Famer Vladimir Guerrero and half-brother of Toronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Vladi Miguel is a left-handed hitter recognized for his raw power, a characteristic known in the family. However, this left-handed power hitter was not ranked in the top 50 of international prospects, so he was signed for a bonus of $117,000 plus a study scholarship of $60,000, the latter an action by the Mets as an organization. 

Guerrero projects as an outfielder/first baseman with bat speed and advanced pitch recognition, a relevant aspect given his young age. Like his father and brother, Guerrero has projected defensive weaknesses with a generally lower rating than his brother.

The Mets could be big winners for this Guerrero signing due to its potential/cost ratio. Due to his advanced skills at the plate, Guerrero could quickly advance through the organization's major league levels.

The Mets paid their biggest bonus to a catcher

The Mets paid their biggest signing bonus this January 15 to Yovanny Rodriguez, a catcher from Venezuela who was ranked sixth in MLB's Pipeline top 50 International Prospects list. Rodriguez is an advanced catcher with the potential to be a star on both sides of the ball as a player.

On several occasions, the Mets are looking for the best talent available in the prospects market that would not result in an excessive cost, and with Rodriguez, they hit the nail on the head. The young catcher is classified as one of the players with the chance of being the best player in his entire class.

On the offensive end, Rodriguez projects as a hitter with hard contact skills and the ability to hit all over the field. On the defensive side, scouts value his ability to frame pitches with good hands and footwork.

An important aspect in the profile of this young prospect is his powerful arm, a fundamental tool in modern baseball due to the impact that stolen bases once again have on the game. This arm power and his leadership ability to command pitches ensure that he can stay at the position long term, which would make him a high-value piece in the organization for playing a premium position.