The Orioles will attend a three-day workout for top Dominican shortstop prospect Miguel Angel Sano this month, another sign that the organization is considering making a serious run at signing the coveted international free agent.
Sano, a 6-foot-2, 190-pound 16-year-old who has drawn comparisons to Florida Marlins star shortstop Hanley Ramirez, worked out for the Orioles at their Dominican baseball academy June 5. Orioles director of player development David Stockstill said he was very impressed but the club wants to get a more extended look at the player who is reportedly seeking a signing bonus of about $5 million or $6 million. International free agents cannot sign with clubs until July 2.
Rob Plummer, the agent for Sano, acknowledged that he has spoken to Stockstill a couple of times within the past week and his client will work out for the Orioles from June 22-24. Stockstill confirmed the workouts, which will also be watched by his brother, Orioles director of international scouting John Stockstill.
"We've seen him a few times, but it gets back to our commitment of seeing the top players," John Stockstill said. "We're going to make sure we give him a thorough look and evaluation. We have legitimate interest, but we have to be sure of what we're seeing."
Plummer said that eight to 10 teams have expressed serious interest in Sano, who will have workouts this week in front of officials from the Cleveland Indians, New York Yankees and possibly the St. Louis Cardinals. The Pittsburgh Pirates and Minnesota Twins are reportedly the favorites to sign Sano, but Plummer said the Orioles have made their feelings about the shortstop known.
"I think it would be a great fit not only because they have needs for a player like Miguel Angel, but they would also have a lot of other young players surrounding him and a lot of young pitching coming up," Plummer said. "You are talking about a team with a lot of young pieces in place. What's not to like about the situation? But really in the end, it comes down to money."
Plummer wouldn't specify how much he is seeking for his client, who has already had a bone graph done per one team's request that verified he is between 16 and 17 years old.
"He's a really, really special talent," Plummer said. "I just want to get the amount that he's worth. I've been doing this for 15 years, and I've never had a kid even close to this."
