January 17th, 2022 at 8:00 am 
by Ron Cervenka Just as it has everything else, the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic has put a damper on Major League Baseball’s international signing period – twice, in fact. The international signing period usually runs from July 2 to June 15, but because of the pandemic, MLB and the MLB Players Association agreed to push back the start of the last two signing periods to January 15. As such, Saturday’s international draft was actually for the 2021-22 signing period, and players who signed on Saturday would have signed last July 2 in a normal year.
As it turns out, Saturday’s international draft could be (or perhaps was) the last international free agency class ever. MLB has been pushing for an international draft for decades and could make it part of a new collective bargaining agreement expected to (hopefully) be in place before the scheduled start of Spring Training set to begin about a month from now. As you might expect, the MLBPA has resisted an international draft to this point. But with few other actual bargaining chips to play with, the union could agree to an international draft to get concessions for Major League players on other potentially more important matters – like “core economics,” as they are often called.
Although the Dodgers had forfeited a significant chunk of their international player pool money when they acquired troubled right-hander Trevor Bauer, they still pulled a proverbial rabbit from their hat by not only selecting but actually agreed to terms with all 30 of their selections, including top international prospects Samuel Muñoz and Accimias Morales.
Muñoz, an outfielder from Santo Cristobal, Dominican Republic, was ranked as the seventh overall international prospect by MLB.com. Morales, a right-handed pitcher from Maracay, Venezuela, was ranked as the 37th overall international prospect and the second pitching prospect in this year’s international class.
Among the Dodgers 30 2022 international signings are 15 pitchers, three catchers, nine infielders, and three outfielders. Here is the complete list, with their respective positions and countries of origin:
- Samuel Muñoz, 3B/OF, Dominican Republic
- Accimias Morales, RHP, Venezuela
- Raynerd Ortega, SS, Venezuela
- Daniel Arrias, OF, Venezuela
- Yorfran Medina, OF, Venezuela
- Josue De Paula, OF, Dominican Republic
- Mairo Martinus, SS, Curacao
- Domingo Geronimo, RHP, Dominican Republic
- Jeral Perez, SS, Dominican Republic
- Javier Peña, C, Dominican Republic
- Natanael Castillo, SS, Dominican Republic
- Yuliangel de la Cruz, RHP, Dominican Republic
- Luciano Romero, RHP, Venezuela
- Victor Rodrigues, C, Venezuela
- Peter Bonilla Hernandez, LHP, Spain
- Alexander Albertus, SS, Aruba
- Eduardo Guerrero, SS, Venezuela
- Edgar Aviles, RHP, Mexico
- Emrike Sevilya, RHP, Russia
- Yoryi Simarra, RHP, Colombia
- Oswaldo Osorio, SS, Venezuela
- Roiger Mujica, RHP, Venezuela
- Sean Liñan, RHP, Colombia
- Edgar Leon, RHP, Venezuela
- Jholbran Herder, RHP, Venezuela
- Yhonaider Gudiño, SS, Venezuela
- Miguel Dominguez, C, Panama
- Steven Castillo, RHP, Nicaragua
- Ilmerson Colon, LHP, Venezuela
- Nicolas Cruz, RHP, Venezuela
As for Muñoz, he is a 17-year-old left-handed hitter who received high marks from international scouts for his approach at the plate and power potential. For good measure, he also has experience in the infield. (Sound familiar?). This from his MLB scouting report:
This from Muñoz’s MLB scouting profile:
“Munoz has already come a long way. The teen was first showcased as an outfielder but moved back to his original spot in the infield because of his improved athleticism and quickness. He runs the 60-yard timed run in 6.6 seconds and has the potential to be a good baserunner. His high baseball IQ and makeup are also noteworthy. He shows good actions in the infield and displays solid arm strength. There’s still a chance he moves to third base because of his size, but it’s too early to tell.“
Morales, a 17-year-old right-hander, has received scouting grades of 55 for his fastball and changeup and 50 for his slider (55 is considered above average on the 20–80 scale).
This from Morales’ MLB scouting profile:
“He’s athletic, features a repeatable delivery and has a presence on the mound. Specifically, his fastball has been clocked at 93 mph, he throws a hard slider with a sharp break and throws a changeup with lots of movement. His ability to mix up his repertoire while still pounding the strike zone stands out for a prospect his age. He projects to be a mid-rotation starter in the big leagues one day.”
(Photo courtesy of MLB)
Geographically, 14 of the Dodgers 30 international signings came from Venezuela, seven from the Dominican Republic, two from Colombia, and one each from Aruba, Mexico, Spain, Nicaragua, Panama, Curacao, and Russia.
Welcome to the Dodgers family, guys!
Play Ball!
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Not part of Dodgers International budget, but an intriguing free agent, minor league signing: “The team has signed Japanese right-handed pitcher Kosuke Matsuda to a minor-league contract. The 23-year-old reportedly throws a 96 mph fastball, but also had Tommy John surgery in July. He was playing in an independent league in Japan.” — Jack Harris LA Times