The Cardinals have come to an agreement on a $1.5MM deal with 18-year-old Dominican righthander Carlos Matias, reports Ben Badler of Baseball America. Matias was one of the best pitchers available on the international market this year.
As Badler explains, Matias is under contract with the team, but he still has to clear some hurdles before receiving his money. MLB must first verify his age and identity, and the U.S. consulate must grant him a visa before the deal can be made official and the bonus paid.
Matias had previously reached an agreement with the Red Sox for $160K, but he was suspended for a year after failing an MLB investigation. The suspension may turn out to be a blessing in disguise, because the righty added velocity to his fastball during the layoff and now routinely sits at 97-99 mph, which has drastically improved his stock.
ESPN's Jorge Arangure reported in March that both the Yankees and Diamondbacks had interest in Matias.
anyone have a link to a scouting report?
He throws 99 MPH and has a great changeup. Great news!
sounds like a future reliever…
Sounds like a really good pick up. I hope this means now that we are looking to add a premium position player in the draft.
This is great news, straight out of left field (no pun intended)! But at 6′ and 165 lbs, and throwing in the upper 90’s, I think we need to hire a Billy Wagner-type guy to help train him.
Lincecum-build much? I think Lincecum is 5’11” 170. This guy is a stick.
Ya he pretty much looks like Pedro when he first came up
Both of you guys are right…Pedro and Lincecum also fit that mold.
This is great, the guy gets caught lying about his idenity in some way and gets rewarded by making 10x the amount he originally signed for. Like the pickup for the Cards just kind of crazy how a punishment actually turns into a reward