BALTIMORE -- Now what? As news leaked out Tuesday morning that the Rays had agreed to a $2.6 million deal with 16-year-old Cuban right-hander Sandy Gaston (pending a physical), the Orioles -- with $6.5 million to spend -- have missed out on signing the trio of top international players available this month.
Cuban outfielders Victor Victor Mesa and his brother Victor Mesa Jr. were signed by the Marlins and introduced in a press conference on Monday. According to MLB.com's Jesse Sanchez, Victor Victor will receive about $5.25 million, and his younger brother agreed to $1 million. Baltimore was interested in all three players and, given its large bonus pool available, seemed like a likely destination for any or all of the big three.