Already well past their international bonus limit, the Dodgers are trying to get their money’s worth before next year’s limitations kick in.
The Dodgers have reportedly signed a pair of teenaged Cuban prospects for a combined $21.5 million. Nineteen-year-old outfielder Yusniel Diaz will reportedly receive a $15.5 million signing bonus while 17-year-old second baseman Omar Estevez will receive $6 million. The signings will not be confirmed by the Dodgers until the two pass physicals.
The Dodgers’ assigned international bonus cap for this signing period was $2.02 million. They traded away bonus slots worth $700,000 and have now signed 28 international free agents to bonuses in excess of $23 million since July 2.