Lynn Henning

The Detroit News

The Tigers announced Saturday they had signed three teenage prospects from the Dominican Republic on the first day young international players could be signed in 2016.

The most impressive of the group is, perhaps, shortstop Wenceel Perez, a switch-hitting, strong-armed fielder who was No. 23 on Baseball America’s list of Top 50 international players.

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“He’s fast – a quick-twitch athlete, with a plus arm and defensive skills,” said Tigers general manager Al Avila, speaking of a 5-foot-11, 170-pound prospect. “He’s a good athlete, and a plus runner. He’s got the tools to be a plus hitter, and a gap-power guy. He projects to be a top-of-the-order bat.”

The Tigers have a 2016 international bonus pool of $3.15 million, more than a half-million dollars beyond their typical bonus allotment. Teams exceeding that allotment pay 100-percent tax and are forbidden in the subsequent draft from paying more than $300,000 for any particular player.

The Tigers signed two more players from the Dominican Republic: infielder Enrique Bautista, and outfielder Ernesto Adames.

“Bautista is another shortstop,” Avila said. “Stocky, strong build, quick stroke and hands, shows ability to hit to all fields. His body is probably more suited to second base. He has plenty of arm strength to play shortstop, but we project him to be an offensive second baseman.”

Contrary to earlier reports, the Tigers have not yet finalized a contract with Venezuelan outfielder Jhon Sandoval

International amateurs can be signed throughout the next year. The Tigers are expected to add significantly to their list, although Avila suggested it would be unlikely the team would exceed its $3.15 million allotment.

lynn.henning@detroitnews.com

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