Mets sign international prospects Ronny Mauricio and Adrian Hernandez

The Mets were active at the start of the international signing period, reaching deals with two Dominican players, infielder Ronny Mauricio and and outfielder Adrian Hernandez.

Mauricio, who is ranked #10 on MLBPipeline’s Top 30 International Prospect list, is a switch-hitting contact hitter who has the skills to potentially develop into a capable defender. His abilities could lend himself anywhere in the infield, as a line-drive specialist that hits for average. He signed for $2.1 million, breaking an international signing record for the Mets that was previously held by Amed Rosario.

Hernandez, ranked #18, has the makeup of an elite defender but also exhibits some speed and raw power. Signed for $1.5 million, he projects as a center fielder, but could spend time in right field, as well.

With the signing period beginning on July 2, each team has an allotted $4.75 million dollar pool money in which to sign international players. Players must be 16 years old, or turning 16 by September 1, and may be from any country excluding the United States, Canada, and the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico.