In recent years the Chicago Cubs have been known for their shrewd moves on the international market. They've made a number of big moves during this year's signing period and rumors suggest they just inked another top prospect.
Jesse Sanchez of MLB.com reports the Cubs and Cuban outfield prospect Eddy Julio Martinez have agreed to a $3 million deal. The No. 4 overall international prospect (according to MLB.com) was rumored to have an agreement with the San Francisco Giants for a $2.5 million deal, but it fell through when it was reported Martinez wanted $3 million.
"Martinez, 20, will receive a $3 million signing bonus, pending a physical, the source said," ESPN reports. "He will receive the standard minor league contract because the current collective bargaining agreement prohibits major league deals for amateur players."
On Monday it was reported Martinez agreed to a contract with the Giants, but it was subject to rumors and hadn't been confirmed. Sanchez then reported on Wednesday that the deal fell through because Martinez was seeking more money. It was originally believed the Cuban outfielder would receive a signing bonus up to $10 million, but ESPN Insider Keith Law said on Twitter, "not many teams have cap room or willingness to ignore the cap right now."
Chicago adds to the arsenal in their farm system with Martinez after having signed other top international prospects during the 2015-2016 signing period, such as shortstop Aramis Ademan (Dominican Republic), shortstop Yonathan Perlaza (Venezuela), catcher Miguel Amaya (Panama) and outfielder Yonathan Sierra Estiwal (Dominican Republic).
With those moves, the Cubs exceeded their bonus pool for the current signing period, which means they cannot sign a player for more than $300,000 during the next signing period (and perhaps the one after that depending on the final penalty). As a result, they had nothing to lose by signing Martinez since they were already going to be penalized.
Stay tuned for updates and/or an official announcement regarding the deal between the Cubs and Martinez.
