Marlins Agree To Sign Albert Guaimaro

Another one of the five Venezuelan prospects that Major League Baseball removed from the Red Sox has a new team. The Marlins have agreed to sign 17-year-old Albert Guaimaro, with plans to convert him from an outfielder to a catcher.

Guaimaro, 17, ranked as Baseball America’s No. 15 international prospect last year. At around 6 feet, 200 pounds, Guaimaro has a compact frame and a short stroke from the right side with good bat speed. He’s an aggressive hitter with a line-drive approach, he hits to all fields and the ball already jumps off his bat well for his age. Guaimaro had been playing in the Dominican Summer League, batting .253/.305/.423 with six walks and 11 strikeouts in 95 plate appearances.

Guaimaro is a good athlete who had been playing center field for the Red Sox, though with his body type, he projects to slow down from his slightly above-average speed and would likely end up in right field if he stayed in the outfield. However, several teams who saw Guaimaro as an amateur wanted him to catch. He’s built for the position with good athleticism and an above-average arm. He even has a catching background despite showcasing as an outfielder, with a high overall baseball IQ and attention to detail that should aid him in his move behind the plate.

Four of the five players that MLB took away from the Red Sox last week have now agreed to sign with other clubs. Center fielder Simon Muzziotti signed for $750,000 with the Phillies, shortstop Antonio Pinero got $375,000 from the Brewers and shortstop Eduardo Torrealba signed for $300,000 with the Yankees. Only the bonus amounts in excess of $300,000 will count toward each team’s bonus pool. Righthander Cesar Gonzalez, the only player who showed up to Tuesday’s workout that MLB scheduled for the five players, is still a free agent.