Dodgers Reportedly Sign Yadier Alvarez To $16 Million Deal

The international signing period opened up on July 2 with a flourish of announcements. With an abundance of young international prospects, Major League teams are attempting to capitalize on establishing some young arms and players to help their future.

One team that has not been afraid to empty their pockets has been the Los Angeles Dodgers. Under this new ownership, the baseball powerhouse is attempting to change the perspective of the fan base and the clubhouse into that of a winning mentality.

According to Jesse Sanchez of MLB.com, the Dodgers have signed a right-hander they have long been linked to:

Sources: #Dodgers agree to a $16M deal with RHP Yadier Alvarez, #2 on @mlb Top 30 Int’l Prospects list http://t.co/YduPYJGNy2 @MLBPipeline

— Jesse Sanchez (@JesseSanchezMLB) July 2, 2015

Alvarez’s scouting report shows a pitcher with the potential of becoming a big name once he develops. With a fastball upwards of 99 MPH and also two secondary pitches, a slider and a changeup, which are viewed as above par, the pitcher displays a high ceiling for what the Dodgers expect him to be. The young phenom has had issues with his command as most young pitchers would, but will be able to work on it once he arrives into the Minor League system.

The 19-year-old pitcher established residency in March and was granted the ability to become a free agent before the international signing period began. His young age, along with an arsenal of pitchers have him viewed as the top pitching prospect from the international players and is why the Dodgers took a huge leap of faith on him.

The Dodgers are expecting to bring him over where he can remain in the Minor League system for a few years in order to help elevate his pitching and control to the Major League level where he can one day thrive.