The Giants are on track to add an international prospect who grew up around the game to their Minor League system.
According to industry sources, the club has agreed to a $2.7 million deal with outfielder Rayner Arias, who ranks No. 15 on the top 50 international list. The Giants, who have a base signing pool of $5,284,000, have not confirmed the agreement. The deal is pending a physical.
The son of a former Minor League player and current scout, Arias grew up in the game, and it shows.
The athletic teen displays an advanced baseball IQ, plus makeup and leadership qualities that set him apart because he never seems overmatched in any situation.
On the field, Arias has a chance to build at least three above-average tools — hit, power and arm — and displays a strong work ethic that wows scouts. He reminds some evaluators of a young Eloy Jiménez. Arias moves well enough to be a solid defender in the outfield, and his arm will play at multiple positions. The teen also shows an advanced approach at the plate and has a good feel for the strike zone.
Arias trains with Jaime Ramos in the Dominican Republic, a member of MLB’s Trainer Partnership Program.
An international player is eligible to sign with a Major League team between Jan. 15 and Dec. 15. He must turn 16 before he signs and be 17 before Sept. 1 the following year — in practical terms, that means players born between Sept. 1, 2005, and Aug. 31, 2006, will be eligible to sign in the upcoming signing period. Players have to be registered with Major League Baseball in advance in order to be eligible to sign.
Teams are allowed to trade international bonus pool money starting Jan. 15.
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