Phillies Land No. 4 Ranked International Prospect
© Eric Hartline-USA TODAY SportsThe Philadelphia Phillies have signed shortstop William Bergolla Jr., a 17-year-old from Venezuela who ranks fourth on the MLB Pipeline Top 50 International Prospect list.
Bergolla Jr. and the Phillies agreed on a deal that is estimated to be worth $2 million, which is 40% of the team's $5.1 million international spending according to Scott Lauber of the Philadelphia Inquirer.
Bergolla Jr. grades in at a 60 scouting grade for hitting and 55 on power, running, arm and fielding.
MLB Pipeline describes Bergolla Jr. as a shortstop who has the opportunity to be an everyday starter and that he possesses an “advanced approach and understanding of the strike zone.”
Division rival Washington Nationals grabbed the No. 2 prospect Cristian Vaquero, a 17-year-old outfielder from Cuba.
It’s unknown how this will pan out for the Phillies, however, signing the fourth best international prospect is substantial for a team whose farm system has consistently ranked near the bottom of the league.
