Jesse Sanchez
@JesseSanchezMLBThe Angels are adding one of the best pure hitters in the international class to the organization.
According to industry sources, the club has agreed to a deal with shortstop Denzer Guzman of the Dominican Republic, No. 29 on MLB Pipeline’s Top 30 International Prospects List, for $2 million.
The Angels have not confirmed the deal.
Here’s what we know: Guzman knows the strike zone. The athletic teen shows a sound swing with a small leg kick to generate power. There’s a nice rhythm to his approach and he has a knack for making hard contact to all fields. While he’s not known for driving the ball out of the ballpark, he consistently hits the ball up the middle and into the gaps. He could develop more power as he matures and already features a repeatable swing.
How long Guzman stays at shortstop is to be determined. He might end up at third base because of his projected size and overall skill set. Either way, he’s a solid defender with plus-arm potential. He also shows good footwork on both sides of the ball.
According to the rules established by the Collective Bargaining Agreement, clubs that receive a Competitive Balance Pick in Round B of the Draft have the most money to spend on international prospects, with a pool of $6,431,000. Clubs that receive a Competitive Balance Pick in Round A of the Draft receive the second most at $5,889,600.
The Angels have a bonus pool of $4,732,700.
Unlike in previous years, teams are not allowed to trade any of their international pool money. Signing bonuses of $10,000 or less do not count toward a club's bonus pool, and foreign professional players who are at least 25 years of age and have played in a foreign league for at least six seasons are also exempt.