Dodgers reveal international signings

The two-time world champions Los Angeles Dodgers are building off that reputation on the international circuit. In back-to-back wins in the World Series against the New York Yankees and Toronto Blue Jays, the Dodgers are now loading up the talent from the global market. 

This time of year is the time for Major League Baseball teams to restock their roster, especially for the minor leagues. The Dodgers announced the signings of four Top 100 international players, according to Baseball America. 

While they were not able to land a Top 40 athlete, the Dodgers were able to nab prospects from the upper half of those rankings. The Dodgers got left-handed outfielder Rubel Arias as their top minor league player, who is ranked No. 46, according to Baseball America. 

According to Baseball America, the Dodgers signed Arias to a $1 million minor league contract.  After Arias, the Dodgers were able to go after and land switch-hitting shortstop Ezequiel Melbourne, the No. 67-rated prospect.  

The Dodgers and Melbourne were able to come to an agreement on a $750,000 contract, Baseball America stated. 

The other two Top 100 prospects the Dodgers landed are Ariel Reynoso (No. 86) and Jose Victorino (No. 93). Both Reynoso and Victorino are considered to be high-quality infielders. The Dodgers’ international free agent signings don’t stop at their top four. 

Los Angeles signed a total of 22 international players. Seven of those players signing contracts or agreeing to terms with the team include seven pitchers. Of the 22 players the Dodgers, half of the prospects are from oil-rich Venezuela. 

Other countries represented in the signings by the Dodgers include Columbia, Russia, Germany, Cuba, Mexico, Dominican Republic, Curacao, and Panama.  

Cover Photo: Courtesy of Los Angeles Dodgers. No. 46 prospect Rubel Arias