Lookout Landing · Jan 15, 2021
The Mariners 2021 International Free Agency class is (finally) here
Juan Pinto, LHP out of VenezuelaHappy International Signing Day to those who celebrate! July 2—or the opening of the “J2” period, when prospects who have turned 16 or are about to are allowed to officially sign with major-league teams—is celebrated as a major holiday in the baseball-crazed communities of the Dominican Republic, among other places. Unfortunately, COVID-19, that plan-wrecker, pushed this year’s signing all the way back until now, half a year later. This year, celebrations will be both later and muted because of the pandemic, but today is nonetheless a major milestone for players who will now have the opportunity to play professional baseball. While there are many, many flaws and concerns to be raised around the entire international free agency process, this is nonetheless a joyful day for many families and the teenagers who have been devoting their energies to making their pro ball dreams come true. Here are the next crop of Mariners signing in this period (who we know of); their Instagram handles are included so you can shoot them a follow and watch their journeys from the beginning.