The D-backs have signed close to 70 prospects during the last two international signing periods and have emerged as a force on the global market.
:: 2018 International Signing Period ::
Their focus on international player acquisition continues this year.
According to industry sources, the D-backs have agreed to a $1.85 million bonus with outfielder Alvin Guzman of the Dominican Republic. Guzman, who ranks No. 16 on MLB.com's Top 30 International Prospects list, is among the most well-rounded prospects in this year's class.
The D-backs also agreed with left-handed pitcher Diomedes Sierra of the Dominican Republic for $420,000 and right-handed pitcher Abraham Calzadilla of Venezuela for a bonus in the $500,000 range.
The club has not confirmed the agreements.
Overall, the athletic Guzman has the type of projectable body scouts covet and he plays the type of defense that will keep him on the field when he struggles at the plate. He might have the best arm in the class and made a name for himself with his speed and power combination.
According to the rules established by the Collective Bargaining Agreement, clubs that received a Competitive Balance Pick in Round B of the MLB Draft received a pool of $6,025,400, while clubs -- like the D-backs -- that received a Competitive Balance Pick in Round A of the Draft received $5,504,500. All other clubs received $4,983,500.
Teams are allowed to trade as much of their international pool money as they would like, but can only acquire 75 percent of a team's initial pool amount. Additionally, 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 and have played in a foreign league for at least six seasons are also exempt.