Report: Phillies favored to sign top shortstop prospect when international signing period opens

The signing period for international prospects opens this Saturday and the Phillies are expected to land one of the top shortstops available.

Jesse Sanchez of MLB.com reports that the Phillies are the favorites to sign Venezuelan shortstop William Bergolla Jr., who Sanchez ranks as the No. 4 prospect of the class. Jim Salisbury of NBC Sports Philadelphia added that Bergolla is expected to sign for $2 million.

The international signing period runs through Dec. 15, 2022. This is the second consecutive year the opening of the signing period was moved from July to January.

Bergolla, 17, is a right-handed hitter from Valencia, Venezuela. Per Sanchez, Bergolla possess an advanced feel for the strike zone, line-drive power and a strong arm that’s good enough to keep him at shortstop as he rises through the minor league system. Bergolla is the son of William Bergolla Sr., who appeared in 17 games with the Cincinnati Reds in 2005.

Per Baseball America, the Phillies’ total bonus pool allocation for the signing period is $5,179,700. This is the base pool for teams who are not eligible to receive competitive balance draft picks.

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