Brewers Sign International Free Agent Gilbert Lara

The international signing period is underway and the Brewers wasted no time signing the #4 overall international prospect, Yirver Gilbert Lara on MLB.com’s Top 30. The Brewers were rumored to all but have Lara signed for a few months now, but now the Brewers have officially signed the prospect out of the San Cristobal, Dominican Republic.

According to MLB.com’s scouting report, Gilbert projects to be an above average hitter with above average power.  Scouted as a shortstop, the 16-year old could move over to third base or even to right field. Many scouts believe Lara is the best hitter in the international class and the second best power bat available. Lara is raw as raw can get, but that is expected for a player his age. He will need to develop an eye for change ups and breaking balls, fine tune his defense, and probably put on a few pounds. Lara is no where near being major league ready, so don’t expect him to be sent to any of the Brewers’ top affiliates.

It is refreshing to see the Brewers splash in the international market in recent years. Not only to sign anyone, but to sign such a high profile talent like Lara and keep him away from big spenders like the Yankees, Red Sox, Cubs, Dodgers, etc. Signing Nori Aoki a few years ago, being in the final 3 for Jose Abreu, and now, signing Gilbert Lara, are reassuring examples to  have all the confidence in the world in Doug Melvin and staff, who sometimes garner their fair share of heat when signing free agents is the topic.