The Diamondbacks officially signed 17-year-old prospect Wagner Mateo to a deal worth $512K today. Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic reported that the sides were nearing a deal in late April; MLBTR contributor Blake Bentley reported that the deal was done days later and Piecoro added the dollar amount. Today, Piecoro noted (via Twitter) that the deal had become official.
The $512K is a steep, but expected, drop from the $3.1MM deal that Mateo signed with St. Louis last July. That contract was voided by the club out of concerns about Mateo's vision. The Dominican outfielder was rumored to join the Giants in the winter, but a deal never materialized.
Ben Nicholson-Smith contributed to this post.
Unfortunately Mateo couldn’t see the contract and signed the table instead.
Unfortunately, without seeing, he will make more money than you in your whole life…
Calm down, junior, it’s only a joke. And so far I have a comfortable lead on him.
Oh… great joke: ha – ha – ha.
Unfortunately, without seeing, he will make more money than you in your whole life…
Unfortunately Mateo couldn’t see the contract and signed the table instead.
I wouldn’t say that they are gone, just that the Diamondbacks were willing to take a risk for a low amount of money.
I think the steep drop in bonus payment shows that there is still great concern over his eye but that the D-backs were willing to give it a shot because of his potential.