International Signing Day - Red Sox Preview

Tomorrow is the first day of the early international signing period, meaning eligible international amateurs - many as young as fifteen and sixteen years old - are free to sign with major league clubs. Look for the Sox to be one of the biggest spenders in this year's class. Following up on our previous report that the Sox will sign Dominican shortstop Jose Gregorio Vinicio to a $2-million bonus and Dominican left-hander Victor Payano to a $900,000 bonus in early July, the Sox have also agreed to terms with Dominican right-hander Raul Alcantara for a $500,00 bonus according to Jorge Arangure of ESPN the Magazine. Alcantara is said to have sound mechanics and a strong build. His fastball reportedly sits between 86-90 mph with good movement. He also mixes in a power curve and a developing changeup. Boston also appears to be the front runner to sign Max Kepler, a German centerfielder considered to be the best player to come out of Europe in years. Kepler is a potential five-tool player that has displayed a lot of maturity for a sixteen year old, both physically and mentally. He's fluid athletically, has a nice looking swing, and a potentially plus arm. While he has above average speed now, it may teeter down to average should he really fill out. He speaks fluent English. Beyond these players, the Red Sox have also been linked to Dominicans Jose Alberto Pena (OF), Cristopher Cabrera (RHP), Jose Iglesias (SS), and Chax Tomosina (RHP).

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