With the IFA period beginning today, reports say that Seattle has already signed one of the top international free agents of this year, OF Guillermo Pimentel, for $2 million, according to ESPN's Jorge Arangure and Baseball America's Ben Badler.
The news comes after months of speculation that Pimentel would sign with the Rangers, even allegations that Texas had hidden the 16-year-old away so no other team could scout him.
In past weeks, however, Seattle emerged as the front-runner. Pimentel is rated as the number-three prospect at Baseball Prospectus and the number-four at Baseball America.
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Here's the scouting report on him at Baseball America:
At the plate, Pimentel has a short swing, an advanced approach and plus power that some scouts say could rate a 70 down the road. He'll still get fooled at times at the plate, but his pitch recognition and ability to adjust to offspeed pitches are advanced for a 16-year-old. Pimentel has showcased for teams as a center fielder, but he is expected to move to left field. He's not a great runner and projects to get slower as he fills out. His range in the field is limited and his arm is a 40 or a 45 on the 20-80 scale.
Pimentel is a big lefty at 6-foot-2, 175 pounds. Here's a rare video of him taking some practice swings:
Guillermo Pimentel from Kiley McDaniel on Vimeo.
Reach Jeff Richards at nextseasonsports@gmail.com
