The Angels added a talented prospect to their system, signing shortstop Joswa Lugo, MLB.com’s No. 37 international prospect, as the 2024 international signing period opened on Monday. Overall, the club inked 15 international free agents, including seven prospects from the Dominican Republic, six from Venezuela and two from Panama. 

The Halos forfeited $500,000 when they signed left-handed pitcher Tyler Anderson, who had rejected a prior qualifying offer, leaving a total pool of $5,152,000.

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Lugo, the younger brother of former big league infielder Dawel, could outgrow shortstop, but he’ll start his professional career in the middle of the diamond. Should he switch positions, his strong arm would help in the transfer to the hot corner. He has the soft hands, footwork and body control to excel in both spots.

In the meantime, though, Lugo, who stands 6-foot-2, has been using his large frame to his advantage and projects as a right-handed power hitter. He already shows gap power with consistent hard contact and is expected to tap into his raw power as he continues to mature and his body develops. He shows good discipline at the plate and rarely swings and misses. Now that he will receive daily instruction, his potential will be able to reach new heights.

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Lugo trains in the Dominican Republic with Jaime Ramos, 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.