Mesa brothers impress scouts at Marlins Park
The Mesa brothers put on their highly anticipated show in Miami on Friday, a star-studded baseball tryout in a big league park that included a wardrobe change.
Victor Victor Mesa, 22, who owns the top spot on MLB Pipeline's Top 30 International Prospects list, and his younger brother, Victor Mesa Jr., 17, worked out for almost three hours in front of 75 scouts, including several international scouting directors, and Marlins chief executive officer Derek Jeter in a showcase for all 30 teams at Marlins Park.
Singer Marc Anthony, founder of the Magnus agency that represents the brothers, was also in attendance.
Wearing black athletic attire -- long sleeves and shorts -- and blue team Cuba caps with sunglasses resting on the red brims, the brothers began the event with stretching exercises. They proceeded to run the timed 60-yard run with Victor Victor clocking times between 6.45 and 6.56 seconds and Victor Jr. running between 6.7 and 6.9 seconds. The outfielders showed off their arms with throws to home and to third base a few times from right field.
Scouts in attendance classified both of their throwing arms as "above average." Victor Victor projects to stay in center field because of his overall skill set, but it's uncertain if the younger Mesa will stay at the position.
After a quick break, the brothers, who left Cuba in May, emerged in their full team Cuba uniforms for batting practice and live hitting action against Marlins Minor League pitchers in town for instructs. Right-handed pitcher Sandy Gaston, ranked No. 16 among international prospects, also threw a few simulated innings against Marlins Minor Leaguers with fastballs in the 96-97 mph range.
The Mesa brothers showed some power and the ability to hit the ball with authority to all fields during batting practice. Overall, they impressed scouts with their strong bodies and athleticism. It's uncertain what type of bonus the brothers will command.
It's also a mystery who will sign them.
The Orioles have a little more than $6.7 million in bonus pool money to spend on international prospects, the most money in baseball. The Marlins are next, with $4.3 million, followed by the Rays at $3.6 million and the Dodgers at $2.78 million.
"Victor Victor handled the bat well, without a lot of power, but he can hit," an American League international scouting director said. "And he can play center field with a good arm. He can steal bases and has a chance to be a good player. The younger one might have more projection at this point, but that has more to do with his age."
Victor Victor made his debut for Matanzas in Cuba's Serie Nacional, the island's top league, at 16, and also played for Cuba during last year's World Baseball Classic. Victor Jr. was a star for Cuba's 18U national team.
They are considered baseball royalty in Cuba. The brothers' father, Victor Mesa Sr., played almost two decades in Cuba's Serie Nacional starting in the late 1970s, and he was a star outfielder for the Cuban national team. He managed in Cuba, Mexico and the 2017 World Baseball Classic team.