Reds acquire MiLB OF Lantigua from Dodgers for int'l bonus pool space
Mark Sheldon
@m_sheldonCINCINNATI -- The Reds wound up playing a small part in Friday's big news of Japanese ace Roki Sasaki deciding to sign with the Dodgers. Cincinnati sent Los Angeles international bonus pool space for Minor League outfielder Arnaldo Lantigua.
According to a source, the Reds sent $1.5 million in the deal. It gave the club enough money to agree with Sasaki for a reported $6.5 million.
More on Sasaki:
- 3 reasons Sasaki should thrive in the Majors
- Full scouting report on Sasaki
- Could Sasaki be the next great Japanese player?
- Ranking the best rookie seasons by Japanese-born players
- Does Sasaki complete Dodgers' offseason additions?
- Dodgers aren't unstoppable ... even with Sasaki
- Breaking down the Roki Sasaki deal from all angles
Lantigua, 19, has played for two seasons at the Dodgers' Dominican Summer League club. In 49 games this past season, he batted .301/.430/.575 with 11 home runs and 42 RBIs. He has primarily played center field but also has played left and right field.
Sasaki announced via Instagram on Friday that he agreed to join the Dodgers, although the club has not confirmed the deal. The right-hander, who was viewed as the premier prize of the offseason, had until Thursday to sign with a Major League team after being posted by his Nippon Professional Baseball team, the Chiba Lotte Marines. Because Sasaki is younger than 25 years old, he is considered an amateur international free agent, meaning he comes with six years of club control and will earn a rookie salary in 2025.
This was the second time this offseason that the Reds and Dodgers have made a trade with each other. On Jan. 7, Cincinnati acquired infielder Gavin Lux for a Compensation Round A pick (No. 37 overall) and outfielder prospect Mike Sirota.