The White Sox have signed two Venezuelan players in the current international period, according MLB insider Francys Romero.
Shortstop Juan Berroteran ($150,000) and centerfielder Hendry Alcala ($100,000) have agreed to deals with the organization. The combined $250,000 spent on the duo leaves the White Sox with approximately $740,000 left in their bonus pool for the 2024 period.
Berroteran, 17, was previously reported to have a deal with the organization when this year’s signing period first opened, though no additional info was provided at the time. The shortstop, who belongs to Guaicaipuro Prospect Academy, hails from La Sabana, Venezuela. The village is also home to Alcides Escobar, Ronald Acuña Jr. and Luisangel Acuña.
Alcala, 17, has less information available on him. MiLB.com lists the outfielder as a 6’3″ switch hitter who weighs in at 170 pounds. Along with Berroteran, Alcala has been assigned to the DSL White Sox.
The 2024 International Signing Period originally opened up back on January 15. For many young players, the beginning of this period marked the end of a multi-year recruitment period by several major league clubs and important decision-making at the ages of just 16 or 17 years old.
Here is more information on the International Signing Period, according to Baseball America:
“While players routinely have agreements lined up to sign with clubs multiple years in advance, Jan. 15 is the first date when they can officially sign contracts. Just like draft picks or major league free agents, none of these agreements are official until a player has signed his contract, completed his physical and been approved by the commissioner’s office. Some players will sign their contracts today, while others who have agreements in place will sign their contracts later this week or after that in some cases. The signing period is open until Dec. 15, 2024.”
In recent years, the White Sox have used their bonus pool to sign notable prospects such as Oscar Colas, Erick Hernandez, Bryan Ramos, Norge Vera, Christian Mena, and many others. During the 2024 period, the White Sox started with $5,925,000 to use towards several deals.
For information on the other players who make up the White Sox’s 2024 international signing class, check out our tracker here.
We will continue to monitor how the White Sox handle their remaining bonus pool and as well as any rumors heading into the 2025 signing period.
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Featured Photo: francysromeroFR/X
