Joswa Lugo, the younger brother of former major league infielder Dawel Lugo, signed with the Angels on Monday, the first day of the 2024 international signing period.
Lugo, 16, received a $2.3 million signing bonus, the largest sum from the team's $5.125 million bonus pool.
The team has not officially announced the signing. Baseball America reports the Angels have signed or agreed to terms with seven international amateurs who became eligible to sign today.
Lugo was the number-37 player in this year's class, according to MLB.com:
Lugo, the younger brother of former big league infielder Dawel, could outgrow shortstop, but he’ll start his professional career in the middle of the diamond. Should he switch positions, his strong arm would help in the transfer to the hot corner. He has the soft hands, footwork and body control to excel in both spots. In the meantime, though, Lugo, who stands 6-foot-2, has been using his large frame to his advantage and projects as a right-handed power hitter. He already shows gap power with consistent hard contact and is expected to tap into his raw power as he continues to mature and his body develops. He shows good discipline at the plate and rarely swings and misses.
Baseball America ranked Lugo eighth in this year's class. Writes Ben Badler:
Joswa Lugo stands out for his righthanded power. He can hammer fastballs, showing flashes of what should be plus raw power as he continues to fill out. Scouts highest on Lugo liked his contact skills and ability to generate power without having to sell out with his swing to leave the yard, though others had concerns about his ability to recognize spin. Lugo’s power is his calling card, and while he has improved defensively enough to get a chance to continue at shortstop in pro ball, it’s more likely he shifts to third base. Some scouts think he could end up in an outfield corner if he outgrows the infield, with an above-average arm that would work well on the left side of the diamond.
FanGraphs.com ranked Lugo 29th in this year's class. Writes Eric Longenhagen:
Lugo has a rare power/speed combination for an amateur. His range and arm strength will give him a chance to develop into a viable shortstop defender. Swing length and bat path efficacy create hit tool risk here.
The Angels also signed Dominican-born outfielder Hayden Alvarez to a minor league contract with a $685,000 bonus, according to Badler. Here is some video of the 17-year-old:
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