The MLB is in lockdown, and although major league deals can not be made, minor league teams are still signing international players. The Phillies continued to make a splash in minor league contracts, signing outfielder Dariam Gutierrez, and pitcher Eliecer Bata, on Sunday. 

Dariam Gutierrez signed a $20,000 deal with the Phils minor league system. He left Cuba in 2020, and the 19-year-old is officially a part of the team’s organization. Gutierrez is a “mix of speed, power, and talent” says Romero. 

It doesn’t seem like Gutierrez will be ready any time soon, as he is still only 19, and has to get used to the minor league ways, and adapt to the major league baseball style. He’s worth the risk. He has a chance to gain some serious power in the Phillies minor league system, and at just 19 years old, he has a ton of room to grow. 

Read more: Four Potential “Post Lockout” Outfielders on the Phillies List

The team also signed Eliecer Bata, who is a 17-year-old from Venezuela. Bata was assigned to DSL Phillies Red, while Gutierrez was sent to DSL Phillies White. Both of these prospects will not make a splash in the pros any time soon, but they do have tons of potential to grow in the minors with their current age and abilities. 

The Phillies haven’t made many moves, but they have signed Corey Knebel and Johan Camargo to major league deals, and now these two minor league deals. Not much can be done during the lockout period, but hopefully, the negotiations will come soon, and the team can get back to signing the big named players rumored to them.

Mandatory Credit: Francys Romero