By Sam Bush
MLB.com is reporting that the Phillies have signed catcher Ricardo Perez, No. 9 on MLB Pipeline’s Top 30 International Prospects List, for $1 million, and outfielder Yemal Flores for $1.4 million.
A left-handed-hitting catcher, the athletic Perez has been praised for his receiving skills, solid footwork, and quick release. He shows average arm strength and accuracy now and both tools are projected to be plus as he matures. On offense, the teen shows above average bat speed and consistently makes hard contact. He has the potential to be an above average hitter.
A star in Venezuela’s Liga Central de Desarrollo — one of the country’s top leagues for prospects — Perez fared well against top competition. He trains with Yasser Mendez, a member of MLB’s Trainer Partnership Program, in Valencia, Venezuela.
