MLB.com's Jesse Sanchez tweets that the Mariners have signed Venezuelan Greifer Andrade for a bonus of $1.05MM. While Andrade showcased for teams as an outfielder, he will begin his career as a shortstop and could possibly move to third base, writes Ben Badler of Baseball America. Andrade ranked as MLB.com's No. 20 international prospect and was No. 21 on Badler's Top 30 list.
The 16-year-old Andrade draws praise for his hand-eye coordination, bat speed and strong throwing arm in MLB.com's scouting report. Badler writes he doesn't have the speed to stay in center and lacks the power profile to fit as a corner outfielder, so the move to the infield makes him a more intriguing prospect. Badler noted in his Top 30 profile that scouts have wondered if Andrade could transition to catcher as well.
The Mariners began the international free agency period with a bonus pool of $2.58MM, according to Baseball America.
