Orioles announce signings of four international players

Unable to sign any of the high-profile Cuban prospects featured at a showcase earlier this month, the Orioles announced today that they've reached agreement with four international players while reallocating a portion of the $6.5 million they held in bonus slots.

Joining the organization are 19-year-old Dominican right-hander Kelvin LaRoche, 18-year-old Cuban outfielder Kevin Infante, 17-year-old Venezuelan outfielder Angel Gomez and 17-year-old Venezuelan shortstop Gilbert Machado.

The amount of money spent on each player wasn't immediately available.

Update: Infante received a $175,000 signing bonus, believed to be the highest among the four players.

The club issued the following statement from director of player development Brian Graham, who's handling the day-to-day operations while the Orioles continue the process of hiring a president of baseball operations and general manager:

"Infante is a right-handed-hitting corner outfielder who also possesses the skill set to play second base. He's a plus runner with a good offensive approach, and we believe that he will develop to be a productive hitter.

"Gomez is a well-rounded, right-handed hitting outfielder who can run, throw and play all three outfield positions. LaRoche is a durable, right-handed pitcher, whose consistent delivery allows him to throw strikes. Machado is a natural shortstop with plus defensive skills and athleticism.

"We look forward to having our player development staff work with all four players to further enhance their skills."

The Orioles continue their attempts to sign a Venezuelan amateur and get him on their major league roster. They traded left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez to the Red Sox, who are using him out of the bullpen in the playoffs, for reliever Andrew Miller in 2014.

Infante represents the latest lower-cost commitment to a Cuban outfielder. Henry Urrutia appeared in 34 games with the Orioles, the last 10 in 2015, and has been playing in Mexico. Dariel Álvarez appeared in 14 games - the last two in 2016 - was converted to pitcher and underwent ligament-reconstructive surgery on his right elbow last year.

MLB.com reported the agreement with LaRoche back in August, but the Orioles made it official today.

The Orioles came up short in their offers for Cuban outfielders Victor Victor Mesa and Victor Mesa Jr., who signed with the Marlins, and pitcher Sandy Gastón, who signed with the Rays. They've vowed to become more active in the international market, the plan laid out by former executive vice president Dan Duquette back in July, and want to spread out their funds to secure multiple players and improve the depth in their system.

Other signings are possible before the international signing bonus money disappears on June 15, 2019. A reset comes on July 2.

Meanwhile, ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick reports that Super Two status this year has increased to two years and 134 days of major league service time, which allows players to receive an extra year of arbitration eligibility.