LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- The Rays acquired international slot money Wednesday morning by trading left-hander Anthony Misiewicz to the Mariners.
The money could prove to be a valuable tool in signing 16-year-old Dominican shortstop Jelfry Marte.
On Tuesday, MLB.com's Jesse Sanchez posted on Twitter that the Rays and Marte have agreed to a deal, but the deal had not been finalized.
• Rays reportedly sign int'l SS prospect Marte
Marte originally signed with the Twins for $3 million, but his contract was voided because of a vision issue.
Rays general manager Erik Neander did not confirm the deal.
Presumably, if the Rays were to sign Marte, they would need more than the approximately $440,000 they are said to have for spending during the current international signing period.
Misiewicz, 23, rejoins the Mariners after Seattle sent him along with Minor League infielder Luis Rengifo to the Rays in exchange for right-hander Ryan Garton and catcher Mike Marjama on Aug. 6.