Seattle Mariners: A look at the 2020-2021 International Signing Period

We delve into the 2020-21 international signing period for the Seattle Mariners, including their spending pool amount and who they’ve signed.

Last Friday saw the opening of the 2020-21 international signing period for the Seattle Mariners and the rest of MLB. Originally scheduled to start on July 2, 2020, the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic caused a delay until Jan. 15, 2021 and will now conclude Dec, 15, 2021.

The intention of the MLB international signing period, is for ball clubs to use this time to bring in amateur talent from countries outside of the United States and Canada. As per MLB.com, players must be at least 16 years old or turn 16 prior to Sept. 1 of the current signing period.

As part of the 2017-21 Collective Bargaining Agreement, each club is subject to a spending cap for amateur international free agents. In the case of the Mariners, their international spending pool allotment for this year is $5,348,100.

This amount puts Seattle in joint-16th place with 12 other ball clubs, including their divisional rivals the Houston Astros, Oakland Athletics and Texas Rangers. Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Angels were allotted $4,372,700.

As per Jesse Sanchez of MLB.com, there have already been a flurry of signings. In the case of the Mariners, they have yet to officially confirm any deals.

However, according to Baseball America‘s 2020-21 MLB international signings tracker, Seattle has signed nine players. This includes two players who are in Baseball America‘s top 50 signing bonus list.

First up is Starlin Aguilar at number 24, an infielder who has seen time at shortstop and third base. As reported by Kate Preusser of Lookout Landing, his signing bonus is apparently worth around $1.5 million.

Born in the Dominican Republic, Augilar is a left-hand bat with power and capable of hitting to all areas of the field. Just as important, he is renowned for his work ethic and overall mature approach to the game.

The other player the Mariners reportedly signed who is in Baseball America‘s top 50 list is outfielder Gabriel Gonzales, who ranks at number 30. He is currently 6 ft and 195 lbs, but has a projectable frame.

This is important to note, as Gonzales is already renowned for his hitting and power. Born in Venezuela, his natural ability with the bat is complimented by his aggressive approach at the plate.

As per Ben Badler of Baseball America, the other seven players reportedly signed by Seattle include four pitchers. These are Juan Pinto, Roiber Talavera, Gleiner Diaz and Aneury Lora, who are all from Venezuela.

They are joined by outfielder Luis Bolivar and shortstop Bryant Mendez, who are both also from Venezuela. The list is completed by outfielder Victor Labrada, who was born in Cuba.

How much stock do you put into MLB’s international signing period? Do any of the Seattle Mariners’ reported signings intrigue you? Let us know in the comments section below.