While major-league roster moves have been halted by the lockout, minor-league deals are still able to be made. The Phillies stayed active in the market for minors contracts this week by signing two international free agents.
Outfielder Dariam Gutierrez and pitcher Eliecer Bata both inked minor-league deals with the Phillies on Sunday.
Gutierrez, a 19-year-old from Cuba, signed for $20,000, according to Francys Romero of Las Mayores. The right-handed hitter possesses a combination of “speed, power and talent,” and previously spent time at the Jesus Mateo Academy in the Dominican Republic, Romero said.
Bata, 17, is a native of Venezuela.