The Tampa Bay Rays are set to sign international shortstop prospect Adrian Rondon, according to Enrique Rojas of ESPNDeportes.com, but technically cannot sign the the youngster until July 7 because he has yet to turn 16. Thats right, he is 15 years old.
Rondon was considered the top prospect in the 2014 International Draft. He projects to be a shortstop at the Major League level. He is a slick defender and has shown gap to gap power at the plate.
According to MLB Trade Rumors the Rays entered the signing period with only $1,998,100 in pool money at the club’s disposal, well shy of the reported bonus for Rondon.
The difference of over $1.3 million would easily exceed the 15% bar, above which the club must both pay a 100% overage tax and give up the ability to sign international prospects for bonuses of over $300K for the next two signing periods.
