The Oakland A's agreed to terms with five international players the club announced today, including outfielder Lazaro Armenteros from Cuba. The A's also agreed to terms with third baseman George Bell, shortstops Marcos Brito and Yerdel Vargas and center fielder Kevin Richards, all from the Dominican Republic.  All five players will report to the A's complex in the Dominican Republic after their contracts are approved by Major League Baseball and passing physicals.
"To say we are excited to add this level of talent to our minor league system would be an understatement", said A's Assistant General Manager, Pro Scouting and Player Personnel, Dan Feinstein. "Our International scouts work tirelessly throughout the year, and it's great to see those efforts rewarded."
Armenteros played for Cuba in the 15 and under World Cup in Mexico in 2014 and was named to the All-Tournament team after hitting .462. He also batted .416 with a league-leading six home runs in Cuba's 15 and under league. Armenteros was rated as the fourth best international prospect by MLB.com.
Brito, whose brother Anthony plays in the Colorado organization, was rated as the 13th best international prospect by Baseball America and 23rd by MLB.com.  Vargas was listed at number 21 by MLB.com and number 24 by Baseball America and Richards was ranked 39th.
Bell is the son of former Major Leaguer and 1987 American League Most Valuable Player George Bell, who hit .278 with 265 home runs and 1002 RBI in 1587 games over 12 seasons with Toronto (1981, 83-90), the Chicago Cubs (1991) and the Chicago White Sox (1992-93).