In the aftermath of the international signing scandal that ensnared the Atlanta Braves, Major League Baseball granted free agency to 12 prospects in their minor-league system. On Tuesday, the Royals moved to take advantage, signing pitcher Yefri Del Rosario to a $650,000 signing bonus.
Del Rosario, 18, is a hard-throwing right-hander who originally signed with the Braves for $1 million in 2016. He split the 2017 season between Atlanta’s affiliate in the Dominican Summer League and a Rookie League affiliate in the Gulf Coast League.
“We’re excited to have this kid in our organization,” said Rene Francisco, the Royals’ assistant general manager for international operations.