Giants adding a pair of top international hitting prospects
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An industry source has revealed the Giants came to terms with catcher Yoendry Sanchez (No. 36 international prospect) and infielder Jhonny Level (No. 44) upon Monday's opening of the 2024 signing period. The club has not yet confirmed the agreements.
Both reportedly inked deals in the $1 million range. The Giants had a $5.284 million base signing pool.
Sanchez displays plenty of raw power and arm strength. The young catcher moves well for his size and has made significant strides in his overall game on defense.
His power is ahead of his other tools at the moment, and he has flashed the potential to leave the yard in all directions. The belief is that his offensive prowess will continue to improve as he develops and makes his way up the levels in the professional ranks.
The Venezuelan prospect has been praised for his makeup and work ethic. Because of his similarly hulking frame and skills, he has drawn comparisons to a young Gary Sánchez. He is trained by Jose Villalba in Venezuela.
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Level is an athletic switch-hitting infield prospect with fluid swing mechanics and a natural feel for hitting. He has the potential to hit for both power and contact -- from both sides of the plate. Scouts have been impressed with his elite bat speed.
Level has enough range to stick in the infield with improved footwork and has good reaction time. His arm strength has been his most notable tool on defense to date.
Level projects to be a potential impact player at the next level and has drawn comparisons to former Major League infielder Rafael Furcal. He trains in Venezuela with Dennis Suarez, 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.
That means players born between Sept. 1, 2006, and Aug. 31, 2007, will be eligible to sign in the current signing period. Players must be registered with Major League Baseball in advance to be eligible to sign.