The Blue Jays added an injection of international talent to their farm system on Monday.
Two days after the 2021-22 signing period officially opened, the Jays announced the signings of 18 international free agents. The group is headlined by Venezuelan catcher Luis Meza, who received a reported $2.25 million bonus, almost half of Toronto's available money.
Toronto's 2021-22 international free agent class includes eight Venezuelans, seven Dominicans, and a player from each of Nicaragua, Panama, and Colombia.
The 17-year-old Meza was Baseball America's 11th ranked player and top catcher available, joining Dominican outfielder Jean Joseph (BA's No. 49) as the only ranked prospects in Toronto's international signing class.
"Meza is one of the premier catchers this year," BA's international big board reads. "Projecting to stick behind the plate as one of the better hitters in Venezuela.