Toronto Blue Jays in agreement to sign International free agent shortstop.
The international for the 2025 class opens on January 15th with the top name being Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki in which the Blue Jays as well as every other team has expressed interest in, but there is plenty of talent to go around.
The Toronto Blue Jays already have a verbal agreement with Dominican Republic free agent infielder Christopher Polanco.
Christopher Polanco, a 16 year old shortstop out of the Dominican Republic, who was named as one of 12 players to watch in the incoming IFA Class.
The IFA period is for big leagues to get a chance to acquire players who are outside the U.S. and otherwise not eligible for the MLB Draft.
While fans would be right in thinking that the Jays currently do not need another shortstop, keep in mind that Polanco is a good six to eight years away from the big leagues.
Plus, a player like him could easily be turned into a 2nd baseman or even center fielder.
Described as a high-contact lefty batter with good bat speed and control, Polanco has a low swing-and-miss rate, and is a doubles machine with occasional home run pop. His quality of at-bats is said to be strong for someone of his age.
Polanco's profile is an interesting one. While he clocks in at an average base running speed, with an arm that is slightly below where it should be, his hitting metrics are one of the most advanced in his class.
While his aforementioned arm isn't the strongest, he is a solid defender whose range can be improved with age, training, and maturity, especially given his upper-body strength.
Like with any player, there is always risk involved, but the Blue Jays could do worse than betting on Christopher Polanco.
He will be an interesting player to watch develop over the next half-decade or so.
The International Free Agent signing period runs from January 25-December
| POLL | ||
DECEMBRE 16 | 112 ANSWERS Toronto Blue Jays in agreement to sign International free agent shortstop. Was Christopher Polanco the right move as an International free agent this year? | ||
| Yes | 58 | 51.8 % |
| No | 54 | 48.2 % |
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