Grading the New York Yankees' Entire 2012 International Signings Pool

After signing C Luis Torrens ($1.3 million), OF Alexander Palma ($800k) and SS Yancarlos Baez ($650k), the Yankees had approximately $150k of their bonus pool left to spend, which they used to land LHP Corby McCoy.

The Yankees also utilized a unique exemption under the new international regulations, as they’re allowed to sign up to six players for $50K or less. As a result, the organization was able to sign LHP Luis Garcia as a low risk, high reward option.

But now that the Yankees’ have reached their spending limit, it’s time to take a look at their impressive crop of international signees.

Alexander Palma

Country: Venezuela

Position: OF

Height/Weight: 6’0", 200 pounds

DOB: 10/18/1995

Bats/Throws: R/R

Signed for $800K out of Venezuela, Palma is an impressive athlete who seems to be continually adding strength. Already physically strong at 6’0", Palma has the potential to hit for plus power due to his bat speed and aggressiveness at the plate. He’s not a burner, but his speed plays up in both the outfield and on the base paths due to his instincts. He has a plus arm, so it’s conceivable that he’ll be a right fielder in the major leagues.

Grade: B+/B

Luis Torrens

Country: Venezuela

Position: C

Height/Weight: 6’0", 170 pounds

DOB: 5/2/1996

Bats/Throws: R/R

An above-average defensive third baseman prior to the signing, there was speculation that he may not have the speed or agility to remain there. So, after signing the 16-year-old for $1.3 million, the Yankees are converting Torrens to a catcher—a move that’s usually a testament to a young players athleticism and ability to make adjustments.

As a right-handed hitter, he has the potential to hit for plus power down the road thanks to a quick bat and compact swing, though only time will dictate the development of his hit tool.

Grade: A-

Yancarlos Baez

Country: Dominican Republic

Position: SS

Height/Weight: 6’2", 165

Age: 16

Bats/Throws: S/R

Although he wasn’t regarded as highly Torrens or Palma, the Yankees signed Baez, a 6’2” switch-hitting shortstop, for $650K. With a wiry but projectable frame, he was promising bat speed from both sides of the plate. However, it’s still hard to say whether he will hit for any power as he develops, as he’s almost exclusively a gap hitter. Scouts are more sold on his hit tool, which should be at least average.

Grade: B-

Corby McCoy

Country: Nicaragua

Position: LHP

Height/Weight: 6’3", 170

Age: 16

Bats/Throws: L/L

There’s a strong chance that the Yankees found a steal in McCoy, who they signed for $150K. At 6’3”, 170 pounds, he is wiry and athletic with a highly projectable frame. Although reports of his velocity vary depending on who you talk to, his fastball has consistently been gunned in the 85-88 mph range, although he’s reportedly scraped 91.

Regardless of his present velocity, it’s a great starting place for a 16-year-old with considerable room to fill out and add strength.

Grade: A-

Luis Garcia

Country: Nicaragua

Position: LHP

Height/Weight: 6’4", 185

Age: 16

Bats/Throws: L/L

Luis Garcia is another projectable left-hander with a lean and lanky 6’4” build. Signed for $50K, he’s not viewed in the same light as McCoy. Considered to be extremely raw, Garcia’s fastball registers in the mid- to upper-80s, and he should add several ticks as he develops.

Grade: B