White Sox Make Splash By Signing Highly Rated International Prospect
(CBS) General manager Rick Hahn made a significant move to improve the White Sox's depleted farm system Tuesday by signing Micker Adolfo Zapata, a 16-year-old outfielder from the Dominican Republic.
Zapata is rated by MLB.com as the No. 2 international prospect.
"Micker is a terrific young man who is tremendously talented," Hahn said after attending today's signing in the Dominican Republic. "As we've gotten to know Micker and his family, we've been even more and more impressed. We cannot say enough about his baseball potential and his future with the White Sox."
Zapata will receive a $1.6-million signing bonus, the largest ever by the White Sox for an international signing. The 6-foot-3, 225 pound outfielder bats and throws right-handed and was recommended and signed by Marco Paddy, who is in charge of the White Sox's international operations.
"Adolfo Zapata has impressed everyone over the last year with his makeup and approach to the game," Paddy said. "His raw tools and natural strength immediately grab your attention, and his power displays can be jaw-dropping."
