Jesse Sanchez
@JesseSanchezMLBThe Giants are adding one of the most well-rounded international prospects in the 2021-21 class to their system.
According to industry sources, the club has an agreement with athletic shortstop Diego Velasquez of Venezuela, No. 22 on MLB Pipeline’s Top 30 International Prospects List, for $900,000.
The Giants have not confirmed the deal.
The switch-hitting Velasquez has the potential to be a plus defender with a plus arm at a premium position. He consistently shows his soft hands, great footwork and instincts in games.
At the plate, Velasquez might be a better hitter from the left side of the batter’s box, but makes consistent, hard contact from both sides. He has a good feel for the strike zone and shows an advanced approach.
He has also been praised for his high baseball IQ and passion for the game.
According to the rules established by the Collective Bargaining Agreement, clubs that receive a Competitive Balance Pick in Round B of the Draft have the most money to spend on international prospects, with a pool of $6,431,000. Clubs that receive a Competitive Balance Pick in Round A of the Draft receive the second most at $5,889,600.
The Giants have a bonus pool of $5,348,100.
Unlike in previous years, teams are not allowed to trade any of their international pool money. Signing bonuses of $10,000 or less do not count toward a club's bonus pool, and foreign professional players who are at least 25 years of age and have played in a foreign league for at least six seasons are also exempt.