The Seattle Mariners didn't miss out on the big international signings on Thursday.
It was the opening day of MLB's international signing window, and with most contracts actually agreed to well in advance, the Mariners already have a bunch of youngsters added to the organization.
The highlight: Juan Rijo, a 17-year old outfielder from the Dominican Republic. He signed for a $2.2 million bonus.
MLB.com ranks him the No. 12 player in this international class.
"In his younger days, Rijo gave off a Jon Jay-esque profile as a high-contact, hit-over-power left-handed-hitting corner outfield bat," MLB.com's scouting report says. "But in the pivotal development years since, he has enjoyed a growth spurt and packed on some good weight, which has allowed both his raw power and in-game ability to tap into it take a leap. Rijo has an advanced knowledge of what he wants to do in the box and allows the ball to travel, which helps him spray hits to all parts of the diamond. His track record of success in tournaments as an amateur, coupled with those big-time power gains, puts an up arrow next to his name as he enters pro ball."
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Rijo is a centerfielder now, but he's not believed as someone who will stick there.
"The bat will be the carrying tool for Rijo, who is likely to be pushed off center field by more glove-focused options throughout a Minor League system," MLB.com writes. "But he still has above-average instincts and a nose for the ball, which when coupled with his average range and arm, keeps him in the mix as a corner outfield option."
The Mariners have obviously had plenty of success in recent years in their international signings, highlighted the most by Julio Rodriguez.
If Rijo ends up even a fraction of the player Rodriguez is, this will be a successful signing.
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