Miami

Marlins to Sign Top International Prospect: Report

The Marlins will reportedly sign top international prospect Victor Victor Mesa and his brother Victor Mesa Jr.

The Miami Marlins will sign top international prospect Victor Victor Mesa, according to a report by ESPN.

Mesa is a 22-year old phenom from Cuba, who showed off his skills in front of all 30 clubs earlier this month. The Marlins will also be signing Mesa's brother, Victor Mesa Jr. and the two players are expected to attend a press conference on Monday. The Marlins have scheduled a conference for Monday morning at Marlins Park, with both CEO Derek Jeter and President of Baseball Operations Michael Hill set to attend.

Mesa Jr. is 16 years old and comes with plenty of talent of his own. While Victor Victor Mesa has starred on an international stage in the World Baseball Classic, Mesa Jr. opened eyes on Cuba's 18U national team. Mesa Jr. is considered several years away from big-league play, but he immediately improves Miami's organizational depth.

The elder Mesa is expected to receive a signing bonus worth over $4 million, while Mesa Jr. will get a number around $1 million. Miami was able to offer these contracts, due to a number of trades it has made in recent weeks. The Marlins traded away minor league and major league talent, in exchange for international bonus pool money.

The Marlins will apparently miss out on pitcher Sandy Gaston, who also worked out at Marlins Park with the Mesa brothers. Gaston is expected to sign with the Tampa Bay Rays or Baltimore Orioles. Miami may have not had the necessary funds remaining to land Gaston, after coming to terms with the two Mesa brothers.

Miami has been attempting to rebuild the organization from the bottom to the top and these two signings should go a long way towards that. Victor Victor Mesa will likely begin his career in the minor leagues, but he could find his way to Miami quickly. The Marlins are not expected to contend in 2019, which gives the ability to possibly promote a prospect earlier than other teams may. It is unknown if this was a factor in Mesa's decision to sign.

The Marlins could have a busy off-season and the bulk of that work should begin at the conclusion of the 2018 World Series.

Contact Us