Phillies to sign top-3 ranked international prospect to $4 million deal

Matt Sullivan

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Phillies to sign top-3 ranked international prospect to $4 million deal image

The Philadelphia Phillies have been busy this offseason, re-signing Kyle Schwarber to a $150 million deal, adding Adolis Garcia on a $10 million deal, and Brad Keller on a $22 million deal.

But, they're not done spending, as they've shown interest in Bo Bichette and J.T. Realmuto. However, their next signing wasn't either, but instead a very highly touted international prospect.

According to Charlotte Varnes of The Athletic, the Phillies have handed out $4 million to international prospect Francisco Renteria from Venezuela. Renteria is a great pickup, as the 17-year-old is a top-3 ranked prospect in this class.

Phillies sign top-3 ranked international prospect

"Phillies have officially signed Venezuelan CF Francisco Renteria," Varners reports. "His signing bonus comes in at $4 million, tying an international amateur franchise record set in 2015. Baseball America ranks him No. 2 in this international class."

The Phillies are landing one of the best prospects of this class, in a move that's big for the franchise. Not only is it tying their previous high in spending for one prospect, but he's one of the more exciting prospects available.

Baseball America has him ranked 2nd, and MLB Pipeline has him ranked 3rd. Being so highly graded by both is a good sign that the Phillies made a nice signing.

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The right-handed hitting outfielder has some incredible potential. He's got great power, overall strong hitter, a solid fielder, and is also not a bad baserunner.

One anecdote from MLB Pipeline's scouting report is incredible. When he was 15 years old, Renteria went 8-for-28 with three doubles in the Venezuelan Major League last summer, where he got hits off two former Major League pitchers.

Renteria is 17 years old and will be a ways away from making his Major League debut. But the 6-foot-3 outfielder is one of the most exciting prospects this winter, and could become a big piece of the Phillies in the future.

Fans will need to be patient, but Renteria is very highly regarded and could become a major asset for the Phillies in the future as he ascends the minor leagues.

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Staff Writer