Orioles sign 27 international players; Elias says, ‘Today is only the beginning of our efforts’

The Orioles began their re-entry into the international market by announcing on Tuesday that they’ve signed 27 players.

Sixteen of the players are from the Dominican Republic, eight are from Venezuela and one each from Aruba, the Bahamas and Colombia.

Three of the players are 16-year-olds from the Dominican — outfielder Luis Gonzalez, left-handed pitcher Luis Ortiz and shortstop Leonel Sanchez. All three will turn 17 later this year.

According to MLB.com’s Jesse Sanchez, Gonzalez signed for a $450,000 bonus and Ortiz signed for $400,000.

“This July 2 is a big day for our franchise,” said Orioles executive vice president and general manager Mike Elias. “These young players from all parts of Latin America will bolster our burgeoning farm system and jumpstart the continual flow of talent we are building. Today is only the beginning of our efforts, as we will continue to sign more players throughout the 2019-20 signing period. Our international scouting staff has already begun laying the groundwork for future classes.”

The Orioles’ senior director of international scouting, Koby Perez, said: “We are excited about the round of talent we were able to bring in with this first group of signings. Everyone in the organization hit the ground running after our department was put together, and it’s a testament to their hard work that we were able to sign the quality group of players joining us today. We look forward to continuing to grow the relationships we’ve established in the Dominican Republic and other countries for years to come.”

The Orioles also  signed: 16 year-out outfielder Dax Stubbs, from the Bahamas; 16-year-old right-handed pitcher Moises Chace ,from Venezuela; 16-year-old shortstop Robert Martinez, from the Dominican Republic; 16-year-old left-handed pitcher Moises Salas, from Venezuela; 16-year-old shortstop Cesar Aguasvivas, from the Dominican Republic.

Right-handed pitcher Raul Rangel, 16, from Venezuela; outfielder Luis De La Cruz, 16, from the Dominican Republic; right-handed pitcher Charbel Abboud, 16, from Venezuela; right-handed pitcher Harol Arias, 16, from Venezuela; right-handed pitcher Erick Caines, 16, from the Dominican Republic; catcher Ricardo Rivera, 16, from Colombia; outfielder Jesus Alvarado, 16, from Venezuela.

Right-handed pitcher Francisco Crispin, 17, from the Dominican Republic; catcher Cesar Alvarez, 16, from Venezuela,;catcher Kenny Baez, 16, from the Dominican Republic; shortstop Rolphy Cruz, 16, from the Dominican Republic; left-handed pitcher Jose Ramirez, 16, from Venezuela; right-handed pitcher Edgar Portes, 16, from the Dominican Republic; left-handed pitcher Johan Berroa, 18, from the Dominican Republic; right-handed pitcher Randy Beriguete, 16, from the Dominican Republic; shortstop Anderson Rogers, 16, from the Dominican Republic; left-handed pitcher Adrion Lacie, 16, from Aruba; shortstop Erincon Placencia, 17, from the Dominican Republic; right-handed pitcher Ajejandro Mendez, 18, from the Dominican Republic.