The Diamondbacks have signed Venezuelan catcher Jose Herrera for a $1.06MM bonus, reports Ben Badler of Baseball America. The 16-year-old ranked 10th on Baseball America's Top 30 and seventh on MLB.com's Top 30.
MLB.com and Badler both call Herrera the top catcher on the international market. The switch-hitter is listed at 5'10" and 180 pounds.
Badler writes that Herrera has the ability to hit for power and has good lift in his swing. While some scouts question his ability to hit for average, he lays off pitches outside the zone and should be able to get on base at a good clip. MLB.com adds that he makes good contact as a right-handed hitter but has a longer swing from the left side that needs some refinement.
The Diamondbacks spent nearly 45 percent of their $2.355MM bonus pool to bring Herrera into the organization.
