The Phillies made a splash in the international free agent market on Sunday by signing Luis Garcia, a highly-touted shortstop from the Dominican Republic.
Baseball America ranks Garcia as the 12th-best international free agent. MLB.com reported that the deal was worth $2.5 million. Garcia, 16, is a strong defender and a switch-hitter with a smooth swing who projects to bat near the top of the lineup. Sunday was the first day that teams could sign international free agents. The Phillies will spend their entire international bonus pool allotment of $4.75 million.
“These players are 16 years old.