Victor Victor Mesa, 22, and Victor Mesa, 17, both outfielders from Cuba, were officially declared free agents and are now eligible to sign with Major League organizations. Because of their age and experience, the Mesa brothers are subject to the international signing guidelines.
Where the brothers sign is to be determined, but here's what we know:
The Orioles have a little over $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. The brothers are expected to participate in a showcase for all 30 teams, possibly this month or next.
Now that Victor Victor Mesa is eligible to sign, he moves to the top spot on MLB.com's Top 30 International Prospects list, primarily because of his strong track record. Victor Jr. is also considered an interesting prospect and could join his brother on the list after he is scouted and evaluated by teams and performs in a showcase setting.
Victor Victor Mesa is considered an outstanding outfield defender with a strong arm. He's a plus runner, and scouts like his athleticism and pedigree. He made his debut for Matanzas in Cuba's Serie Nacional, the island's top league, at 16. He had three hits, including two doubles, in seven at-bats for Cuba during last year's World Baseball Classic.
Victor Jr. was a star for Cuba's 18U national team and is a switch-hitting outfielder with hitting potential and a decent arm. The brothers' father 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.
The brothers left Cuba in May. They first had to establish residency outside of Cuba and the United States and then petition for free agency.