Angels have deal with int'l shortstop (source)

The Angels are adding a top international infielder with lots of upside to their Minor League system.

According to industry sources, the club has agreed to a $900,000 deal with shortstop Felix Morrobel, No. 50 on the Top 50 International Prospects list. The Angels, who have a base signing pool of $4,644,000, have not confirmed the agreement. The deal is pending a physical.

It’s worth noting that the Angels forfeited $500,000 from their pools for signing Noah Syndergaard, who rejected a qualifying offer during the 2021-22 offseason.

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The athletic Morrobel has smooth actions on defense with quick feet and plus arm potential. His natural instincts and overall defensive awareness allow him to make the routine plays on a consistent basis. His athleticism allows him to make the extraordinary play on occasion and there’s a good chance he stays at shortstop.

At the plate, the teen makes lots of hard contact to all fields and impresses evaluators with his barrel control. He’s a line drive hitter who could add more pop as his body matures.

Morrobel trains with Hector Evertz at the Dominican Prospect Talent Academy. Evertz is a member of MLB’s Trainer Partnership Program.

An international player is eligible to sign with a Major League team between Jan. 15 and Dec. 15. He must turn 16 before he signs and be 17 before Sept. 1 the following year -- in practical terms, that means players born between Sept. 1, 2005, and Aug. 31, 2006, will be eligible to sign in the upcoming signing period. Players have to be registered with Major League Baseball in advance in order to be eligible to sign.

Teams are allowed to trade international bonus pool money starting Jan. 15.