The Twins and 16-year-old Jelfry Marte have reached agreement on a deal that will pay the Dominican shortstop a $3MM bonus, MLB.com’s Jesse Sanchez reports (Twitter link).
Marte was ranked as the third-best prospect in the 2017-18 international signing class by MLB.com, with Baseball America slotting him 13th in their top 50 ranking. Scouting reports from both outlets praise Marte’s defense, tabbing him as a potential everyday shortstop at the big league level with good range and a good throwing arm.
The difference of opinion seems to come with Marte’s hitting, as while MLB.com feels Marte has some raw hitting potential that could improve under regular tutelage from minor league coaching, BA’s subscriber-only scouting report notes that many scouts see Marte as a hitter best suited near the bottom of a batting order. Marte has little power right now, though at 5’10” and just 140 pounds, more pop could come as he matures and adds some more weight. On the plus side offensively, Marte is seen as a good baserunner with potential to be a good base-stealer.
Minnesota entered the 2017-18 July 2nd period with $5.25MM available in bonus pool money, though the Twins and other teams are allowed to acquire more bonus pool space.
#3 on international prospects by MLB.
From La Vega, La Vega, Dominican Republic
16 year old Shortsop DOB: 3/27/2001 Bats: S Throws: R Height: 5’10” Weight: 140 lb.
Watch
Scouting grades: Hit: 45 Power: 35 Run: 50 Arm: 60 Field: 60
It’s easy to see why scouts like Marte. He’s a good runner with quick hands, a strong arm and the defensive tools that could make him an everyday shortstop one day. Scouts also like Marte’s footwork, his polished actions and his range to both sides. He makes all of the plays and has a good feel for the position.
At the plate, Marte makes consistent hard contact from both sides of the plate. He has shown good bat speed and a solid hitting approach. What’s more, Marte is a line-drive hitter now, but he could develop some pop as he grows and his body matures. His overall offensive game is expected to improve once he signs with a big league team and receives professional instruction daily. Scouts also like Marte’s makeup.
Marte is trained by Alberto Fana in the Dominican Republic.
I hope he’s the next Sano
No way. He’s like half the size Sano was when the Twins signed him.
No. Sami didn’t get big until like 2 years ago
*sano
Sano was around 190 when he first signed.
not that type of player but I hope he makes a similar impact
Not with that frame