MIAMI -- The Marlins are casting a wide net to lure in as much young talent as possible. On Monday, the first day of the International Signing period, the organization announced they've signed 10 players, including seven from the Dominican Republic, two from Venezuela and one from Panama.
:: 2018 International Signing Period ::
Keeping with their theme of building up the middle, the list includes four pitchers, three shortstops, two center fielders and a catcher. Miami followed a similar script in June in the 2018 MLB Draft.
"As was the plan with the Draft, we wanted to target the middle-of-the-field-type players in the international market," said Fernando Seguignol, the organization's first-year director of international operations.
Signed from the Dominican Republic are: shortstop Raul Campos, left-hander Erick Carrasco, shortstop Isaac De Leon, right-hander Breidy Encarnacion, center fielder Jhonny Melenciano, right-hander Jorge Mercedes and center fielder Yoelvis Sanchez.
Out of Venezuela, the Marlins signed catcher Ene Leon and shortstop Christian Rodriguez. Right-hander Luis Lopez has signed from Panama.
Monday is just the first day of international signings, and the organization is still in the process of trying to bring in more players.
The Marlins' pool allotment for international signings is $6,025,400.
International players are eligible to sign with Major League teams from July 2 to June 15 of the following season, if the player is 17 years old or will be 17 at the conclusion of the first season of the player's contract.
"We are by no means finished for this signing period and will continually work to bring more international talent into the organization," Seguignol said.