The Orioles 2023 J2 singing class was highlighted by SS Luis Almeyda who signed for an Orioles record $2.3 million bonus. Almeyda was considered the #20 prospect by MLB.com and the only top 50 prospect signed by the Orioles according to MLB.com. The Orioles next highest bonus was $500,000 for shortstop/third baseman Joshua Liranzo.
The whole J2 class:
Luis Ayden Almeyda – SS: 6-3, 180 athletic shortstop with pop signed for $2.3 million, the largest ever bonus given to an international amateur by the Orioles. He becomes the club’s first international signee with a bonus exceeding $2 million. Almeyda was considered the #20 international prospect by MLB.com. English speaker who born and raised from New Jersey.
“Off the bat, I knew the Orioles were the organization for me,” Almeyda said. “My decision is how I want to develop as a player, and I know the Baltimore Orioles have the best farm system. I know, me as a person, I would like to develop as a baseball player with this organization. I’m just very happy right now. I can’t wait for my journey to start.”
Joshua Liranzo – SS/3B – 6-2, 170 athletic SS/3B with big bat speed signed for $500,000. Trainer is Fernado Tatis Sr. Very young for the class. EV well over 100 MPH at 16-years old. Plenty of Power to move to third. Throw 90 MPH across diamond so plenty of arm strength.
Jose Mejia – 2B/SS: Polished bat for age who most likely profiles at 2B defensively. Comes from a different background. Parent are doctors and is bilingual. Very educated young man. 5-11, 170 guy. Physically looks like a 2B. $410.
Felix Amparo – SS: At just 5-10, 140 pounds, he impacts fastballs and reportedly has soft hands and a plus arm to stick at SS. Defensively is plus. Wiry strong and plus runner. Should stick at SS. $350K singing bonus.
Keeler Morfe – RHP: 16-yr old, 5-11 Venezuelan with “lightning quick” arm up to 95 MPH. Solid slider already and pitchability is good. $210K.. Anderson Espinosa (big bonus guy).
Luis Guavera – SS: Late -blooming switch-hitting shortstop from Venezuela. He is said to be a leadoff type with excellent bat to ball skill and gap power potential. He is considered one of the better hitters from Venezuela. Reportedly has plus arm strength and should be able to stay up the middle. Should stick at SS. Could move quick. $200K. Could be this year’s Estrada.
Francisco Morao- LHP: 17, was signed out Venezuela. His fastball is up to 92 mph and he has a12-to-6 curveball with good rotation that misses bats. His changeup flashes average as well. Good pitchability. 200K
Abrahman Coen- OF : Left-handed hitting outfielder with a chance to hit. $140K
Sabastian Del Los Santos- SS: Small projection guy. May need two years in DSL.
Xavier Alvaro – RHP: Cuban up to 93MPH. 80K
Omar Urbina – C : Potential to hit for power and stolid defender. 80K
Raymond Sosa- RHP: Big body kid who may throw harder in the future.
Luis Vicioso – C : 19-year old catcher who is the half brother of Jorge Mateo. O’s like the bat a bit.
The post Luis Almeyda highlights Orioles 2023 International Signings appeared first on Orioles Hangout.