Jesse Sanchez
@JesseSanchezMLBPedro Pineda has some of the best tools in this year’s class and now the outfielder has found a home.
According to industry sources, the Athletics have agreed to a $2.5 million deal with Pineda, No. 13 on MLB Pipeline’s Top 30 International Prospects list.
The Dominican teenager is best described as “explosive” and it’s easy to see why. He is raw, but has the potential to have several plus tools. Specifically, he’s been praised for his hands and excellent bat speed. For now, there’s some loft to his swing and his mechanics continue to improve. He also consistently hits the ball hard to all fields and can drive the ball out of the ballpark.
On defense, he has the ability to shine at the corner outfield spots, but is also comfortable in center field. He is learning how to contain his arm strength for improved accuracy.
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 received a Competitive Balance Pick in Round A of the Draft received the second most at $5,889,600.
The A’s have a bonus pool of $5,348,100.
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.