Nick Piccone
They were linked to him for months, and last night, the Phillies finally inked their future power guy, for all intents and purposes. Ranked sixth among all international free agents, Jhailyn Ortiz signed a minor-league contract with the Phils.
According to CSN Philly’s Jim Salisbury, Ortiz will receive a $4 million bonus. A 16-year old millionaire. No, that’s not me being jealous. Not at all.
It could have been a dicey situation, since the signing puts the Phillies over the allotted amount by MLB for international signings. But, they’re due $1.5 million in international slot money from Arizona, which makes it fine. I guess. Don’t ask me. Jim Salisbury reported it.
Salisbury also says Ortiz’s Achilles heel is being able to hit for contact. I mean, that is a pretty big component of playing baseball. Apparently, Ortiz is none too good at recognizing pitches that aren’t coming at him in a straight line.
The fun starts now.
Here are some highlights of Ortiz hitting baseballs. Because power: