The Tampa Bay Rays don't often make the biggest splashes with the money they dish out.
Clearly, they think Victor Valdez is worth it.
The Rays signed the 17-year old shortstop from the Dominican Republic on Thursday as MLB's international signing period opened.
According to MLB.com, Valdez is getting a $3.5 million bonus, one of the highest on the board.
He's ranked the No. 11 player in his class by MLB.com.
Valdez is already 6-foot-1 and 185 pounds, a talented right-handed hitter and thrower.
"Valdez routinely produces hard contact with an efficient and well-sequenced barrel path," reads his MLB.com scouting report. "His right-handed swing is smooth and under control, while he also shows great proficiency in utilizing his hips to turn and get to his pull side power. He can drive the ball to all fields with ease, all while managing the strike zone and keeping his chase rate in check. Equipped with a physical build and lots of natural strength, he allows his natural gifts to take over, showcasing an aptitude for hitting beyond his years. All told, it’s a profile that evaluators believe could blossom into a middle-of-the-order bat in time."
MORE: An Air Force Captain will pitch for Team USA at the World Baseball Classic
The Rays need to develop the talent they bring on board in the international signings and in the draft, because they aren't going to sign big money free agents.
That makes Valdez's development quite important.
If he can turn into the player the Rays hope, this will be a memorable signing.
More MLB news:
- Team USA's projected WBC lineup is incredible
- Dominican Republic's projected WBC lineup is fierce
- Red Sox are paying Manny Ramirez same 2026 salary as Dodgers are paying Shohei Ohtani
- Phillies have a secret weapon for signing Bo Bichette
- MLB looking at realignment into East-West arrangement
- Hunter Pence's nephew has the best name and a 100 MPH fastball