Miami making its mark on international market

CHICAGO -- In October, the Marlins made a big splash on the international market by signing Cuban outfield prospects and brothers, Victor Victor Mesa and Victor Mesa Jr.

Being more of a presence internationally is an organizational priority, and the Marlins are aggressively working towards infusing more prospects from Latin America into their system. According to MLB.com’s Jesse Sanchez, Miami is considered the favorite to sign two touted shortstops -- Venezuelan speedster Jose Salas and Junior Sanchez from the Dominican Republic.

On MLB Pipeline’s latest Top 30 International Prospect list, Salas is ranked No. 10 and Sanchez is No. 24.

The 2019-20 signing period begins on July 2.

Salas and Sanchez both fit the mold of players the Marlins aim to add to their system. They’re “toolsy” players who are athletic and play in the middle of field.

Salas, from Caracas, is a switch-hitter whose play is reminiscent of a young Carlos Beltran.

In his scouting report on MLB Pipeline, Salas has impressive bat speed and strike-zone recognition. He’s regarded as the most advanced hitter in the class.

Salas has a projectable frame. The 16-year-old is 6-foot-1, 150 pounds, and he has above-average speed. If he doesn’t stick at shortstop, evaluators believe Salas could transition to center field.

Sanchez is a left-handed-hitting shortstop from Santo Domingo. Listed at 6 feet, 160 pounds, the 16-year-old has strong hitting skills. Like Salas, Sanchez has a mature approach at the plate, and he shows bat speed and strike-zone recognition. He has a line-drive approach and is starting to show signs of power.

Defensively, Sanchez has a chance to remain at shortstop or perhaps switch to second. Either way, he is considered a middle-of-the-field type of player. But he lacks blazing speed.

The Marlins demonstrated in the 2018-19 signing period that they would be active internationally by signing the Mesa brothers, who defected from Cuba last May.

Victor Victor Mesa, who signed for $5.25 million, is playing regularly for the Class A Advanced Jupiter Hammerheads. Depending on how he progresses, Mesa could be promoted to Double-A Jacksonville later in the season.

Mesa Jr., who signed for $1 million, is a left-handed hitter currently playing in extended spring camp games. He’s expected to start off in the Gulf Coast League when that opens.

Since both Mesas went more than a year without playing in organized games, they’re still in the process of getting their timing and rhythm down.

Worth noting

• Reliever Drew Steckenrider (right elbow inflammation) is returning to Miami on Thursday, and is scheduled to be examined by team Dr. Lee Kaplan on Friday.

• Garrett Cooper (left hand contusion) was hitless in two at-bats and drew a walk on Wednesday in his first rehab assignment game with the Hammerheads. He played left field for Jupiter, but he also will play right field and first base during his rehab assignment.