The New York Mets have bolstered their farm system by signing catcher Yovanny Rodriguez and outfielder Vladi Miguel Guerrero. They are just two of the nine players the Mets signed at the beginning of the international free-agency period.
The Mets signed the catcher Rodriguez for $2.85 million. Baseball America’s Ben Badler, Rodriguez is an exceptional prospect on defense. His talent has much room for growth, given his strong arm. He also has a high contact rate as a batter. Rodriguez joins fellow Venezuelan catchers Daiverson Gutierrez and Francisco Alvarez.
Meanwhile, Guerrero is a part of a successful baseball family. His father, Vladimir Sr., is the 2004 American League Most Valuable Player, an eight-time Silver Slugger Award, and a nine-time Major League Baseball All-Star in 15 seasons.
. @Mets sign Dominican outfielder Vladi Miguel Guerrero
— Baseball America (@BaseballAmerica) January 15, 2024
yes ... that Guerrero
He's the son of Hall of Famer Vladimir Guerrero Sr.https://t.co/MfpaHRk0M9 pic.twitter.com/iT4krj1zX6
Vladi’s older brother, Vladimir Jr., has been with the Toronto Blue Jays since 2019. In 2021, he became an All-MLB First Team member, a Gold Glove awardee, a Silver Slugger recipient, and an All-Star. He has been an MLB All-Star over the last three seasons. His other brother, Pablo, signed with the Texas Rangers in January 2023.
Aside from Guerrero and Rodriguez, the Mets also signed shortstops Edward Lantigua, Yensi Rivas, Leandy Mella, and Bohan Adderley. They also brought in outfielders Anthony Delgado and Adolfo Miranda. Right-handed pitcher Maxgregori Harvey signed with the Mets, a team that spent $5.925 million on international free agents.
-Lance Fernandez