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The New York Mets were ruled out of the Rōki Sasaki sweepstakes, but there are plenty of other elite international prospects. They signed Elian Peña to a record-breaking deal.
The Mets went into the international signing period with $6.2 million in funds, according to Baseball America. According to Baseball America's Ben Badler, the Mets signed the Dominican shortstop with a $5 million bonus. It is the most money the Mets have ever given to an international free agent. Peña was MLB Pipeline's No.3 international prospect and possesses elite traits.
"Pena’s hit tool is his calling card. Equipped with oodles of bat speed from the left side, he complements his propensity to hit the ball hard with some of the most advanced plate discipline seen on the international scene in years," wrote MLB Pipeline. "It’s rare for a prospect so young to have a keen eye for the zone, but Pena routinely puts it on display while spraying the ball to all fields when he does cut it loose. The power is expected to come on as he continues to mature and adapt to the routine of pro ball."
Peña has high expectations and is already drawing comparisons to great players. The New York Post's Jon Heyman revealed that scouts are comparing him to Rafael Devers.
"Scouts say he is a terrific hitter and will be valuable even if he has to move to third base," wrote Heyman. "'Line-drive bat with some power,' a rival scout said. The scout notes a 'thick frame' fits third better and names Rafael Devers as a comp but cautions, 'I’m not sure he will hit that good.'"
The Mets will now be tasked with developing the bat for the 17-year-old.
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