Orioles open the international signing period by adding 24 players

The Baltimore Orioles today announced that they have opened the 2021-22 International Signing Period with 24 contract agreements. Highlighting the Orioles' 2021-22 International signing class are: OF Braylin Tavera, the Orioles' highest-paid international signee in club history; INF César Prieto, a high-profile Cuban prospect; top 50 MLB Pipeline International prospect SS Leandro Arias; as well as SS Edwin Amparo and OF Thomas Sosa. Additionally, 10 more of the group are six-figure agreements. Of the 24 total agreements, 12 are from the Dominican Republic, 10 are from Venezuela, and one each from Cuba and Panama.

Tavera, 16, a native of the Dominican Republic, is ranked as the No. 18 International prospect by Baseball America and No. 22 by MLB Pipeline. Tavera is one of the most well-rounded players in this year's signing class, with five-tool potential. He showcases strong bat-to-ball skills and a consistent approach at the plate, which is backed by his improving pitch recognition. His speed and emerging power are additional assets to his repertoire, and defensively he profiles in center field.

Prieto, 22, a Cuba native, was considered one of the more accomplished young hitters in the Cuban National Series. He played parts of the last four seasons in the Cuban National Series, including being named Rookie of the Year for 2018-19. During the 2020-21 season, he slashed .403/.463/.579, while winning the league batting title. Prieto exhibits excellent plate discipline and good hit ability. His baseball IQ is one of his greatest strengths, along with his charisma.

Arias, 16, is a shortstop prospect from the Dominican Republic who MLB Pipeline ranks as their No. 46 International prospect in this class. He is a switch hitter who portrays intriguing power potential from both sides of the plate. He has an advanced approach at the plate with solid bat-to-ball skills and hit ability.

Amparo, 17, is an athletic, switch-hitting shortstop from the Dominican Republic. He shows above average speed and good bat-to-ball skills from each side of the plate. He flashes intriguing power, which could become more sustained as he fills out. Defensively, he has good actions at shortstop with solid range and growing arm strength.

Sosa, 16, a Dominican Republic native, is a lanky center field prospect with an athletic body. He flashes plus power potential, along with good hit ability. His run tool should improve with age and normal strength gains, and he portrays above average arm strength.

"For the third-straight year we are excited about the talented individuals that are joining the organization," said Koby Perez, Orioles Senior Director, International Scouting. "It was another challenging year with the unique circumstances and protocols, and I couldn't be prouder of how our staff adjusted and excelled. With the exciting news this year of a new, state-of-the-art academy being built, and the progress the last two classes have already made, the continued construction of our international pipeline will only benefit the organization and eventually the Major League club moving forward."