This year, the International Signing Period began on January 15th, 2022. For those not familiar, this time is basically a free agent like signing period for international prospects. Prospects are typically very young and often times are in their teenage years, but it is a great opportunity for teams to expand and build minor league depth.
The Brewers had $5,721,200 in funds to allocate to international prospects this year. They ended up signing 33 players to start the signing period. Two of the more well known names that committed to the Crew were Jhonny Severino and Johan Barrios. Both are ranked in the Top 25 International prospects according to MLB Pipeline.
The Brewers have a knack for signing athletes who initially are labeled as shortstops. David Stearns tends to value athletes and players with lots of different tools to choose from. This has been evident in his draft classes as well in his top signees out of the international pool this year.
Of the remaining players, 16 were pitchers with five of them being left handed.
Signing a bunch of pitching prospects is a solid strategy for it increases the odds of finding a hidden talent. Freddy Peralta signed in 2013 with the Mariners as an international free agent and currently is poised for a huge 2022 season. It is important to know that most signees will not pan out to the level that Peralta has already achieved in his young career, but with a bit of luck a few of these signees may pan out.
Unfortunately, information is very scarce on these international players. Until these prospects start making their professional debuts there is not much to go on. Most will likely make their initial appearances in the Dominican Summer League or at the Arizona Complex. The Brewers do possess two teams in each of those leagues.
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