Rays add 27 players on opening day for international signings

ST. PETERSBURG — The Rays reached deals for 27 young players in the delayed opener of the international signing period on Saturday.

Among the most promising:

• Outfielder Jose Lazaro Contreras, a 16-year-old 6-foot-2, 204-pound Cuban with five-tool potential known for his speed (6.6 60-yard dash), power and arm (92 mph throws from outfield)

• Outfielder Jose Sanbria, a 16-year-old Venezuelan with a similar talent and tool profile

• Shortstop Miguel Tamares, a fast (6.3 60) and athletic 17-year-old hitter with a strong Dominican Republic arm

Tamares was ranked the 40th best prospect in the class by Baseball America; none of the others made the top 50 by Baseball America Where mlb.com.

Have also signed or accepted the conditions:

• Outfielders Angel Mateo, Jordany Oliver and Neifi Vazquez (Dominican Republic)

• Pitchers Yeison Garcia, Cristhofer Gonzalez, Danny Hilario, Ismael Laureano, Geudis Ramos and Jesus Ullola (Dominican Republic) and Alvaro Gamez, Maikel Hernandez, Anthony Manriquez, Moises Palma and Yorman Primera (Venezuela)

• Shortstops Nicandro Aybar, Felix Cotes, Juanfel Peguero and Roosbert Tapia (Dominican Republic), and Ricardo Gonzalez and Rodrigo Romero (Venezuela)

• Seekers Enderson Delgado, Larry Martinez and Jhonny Perez (Venezuela)

• Infielder Narcison Polanco (Dominican Republic)

All transactions except those of Tamares are final.

The Rays entered the signing period, which for the second straight year was delayed from the usual July 1 start date due to the pandemic, with a signing bonus pool of $5,721,200, the second largest group. The signing window is open until December 15.

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