Kevin

Maitan

Maitan is back in affiliated ball following a short stint with the Charleston Dirty Birds of the independent Atlantic League. He was released by the Angels following a 2023 season where he hit .192/.300/.256 with one homer in 53 games for Double-A Rocket City. The 24-year-old was considered one of the top international prospects in baseball when he signed with the Braves back in 2016. However, his contract was voided after a scandal involving Atlanta’s general manager John Coppolella and Maitan ended up with the Angels on a $2.2 million signing bonus. He never reached the majors and will now try again in Minnesota, starting at High-A Cedar Rapids.

Maitan was considered one of the top international prospects of the past decade when he signed with the Braves back in 2016 before having his contract voided after a scandal involving Atlanta’s general manager John Coppolella. He ended up landing with the Angels instead on a $2.2 million signing bonus, and never wound up reaching the majors for Los Angeles. The 23-year-old infielder was batting .192/.300/.256 with one homer in 53 games this season for Double-A Rocket City.

Maitan has his ninth homer in 93 games with the Bees. While the 19-year-old is hitting just .226/.284/.334, he’s been swinging the bat much better as of late, and he has three homers and a .302 average over his last 10 games. Maitan was one of the most high-profile IFA signings when he joined the Braves -- drawing comparisons to Miguel Cabrera -- but his contact issues (121 strikeouts this year) have plagued him in his time with Atlanta and after he joined the Angels when that contract was voided. Still, considering his age, there’s time for Maitan to become an impact fantasy player. There’s just more risk in his profile than anticipated.

The 16-year-old is widely regarded as the top overall prospect available during this international signing period. The Braves also have reportedly added several other key international pieces on Saturday, agreeing to terms with C Abrahan Gutierrez ($3.5 million), SS Yunior Severino ($1 million), SS Yenci Pena ($1 million), INF Livan Soto ($1 million), RHP Guillermo Zuniga ($350,000) and RHP Juan Contreras ($200,000).

The deal is for a reported $4.25 million. 16-year-old Venezuelan shortstop is widely regarded as the top talent in this year’s crop of international free agents. A switch-hitter, Maitan is believed to be the best prospect to come out of Venezuela since Miguel Cabrera. He’s a pure hitter that’s expected to hit for average and power, and a skilled defender with a strong arm that could remain at shortstop.

It’s the second homer for Maitan in the 2018 season over 15 games with the Owls. You likely know the Maitan story, but the short version for those who don’t is that he was considered one of the best international prospects of the past decade when he signed with Atlanta in 2016, but his contract was voided after a scandal involving improper benefits and promises from now banned GM John Coppolella. The 18-year-old infielder has plus power potential, and he can hit for average from both sides of the plate as well, potentially. He’ll almost assuredly play at third base, but he’s also played shortstop. At either position, he can be an impact bat, but he’s several years away.

General manager John Coppolella was forced to resign Monday as MLB’s investigation into the Braves’ affairs heated up. Passan writes that “the focus of MLB’s investigation narrowed in recent days to the bundling of international amateur signing bonuses to circumvent spending restrictions.” However, he adds that the investigation “remains open and is expected to look into” the team’s signing of Maitan, who got a Venezuelan-record $4.25 million last July. Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic also reports that MLB is investigating a verbal agreement the Braves have with 14-year-old Dominican shortstop Robert Puason.

Rosenthal mentions that the Braves will probably receive a “substantial” fine, restrictions in their allocated finances for future signings, and the possibility that some prospects they signed out of Latin America could be turned back into free agents. This includes 17-year-old shortstop Kevin Maitan, the crown jewel of the 2016 international class. Maitan is said to have made a verbal agreement with Atlanta before the official signing period, which is against the rules. There’s still no firm date as to when Manfred will announce his findings and the subsequent penalties.

According to Jesse Sanchez of MLB.com, the deal is worth $2.2 million. Jeff Fletcher of the Orange County Register notes that the club can use next year’s international bonus pool money, which would still leave room for the club to make a sizable offer to Shohei Ohtani. The club recently picked up some additional international spending money in the Jim Johnson deal with the Braves. Maitan was the biggest name of the prospects recently granted free agency by MLB following the Braves’ scandal with international signings. The 17-year-old Maitan received a $4.25 million bonus as the top prospect in the 2016 international class. He batted just .241/.290/.340 with two homers and 18 RBI over 42 games in rookie ball this season, but the Angels will happily take a chance on his future.

It’s believed that the Braves surrendered their rights to additional international signings, as well. Fines and restrictions on future spending could also be included. Official word on punishment could come down as soon as Tuesday. The 17-year-old Maitan received a $4.25 million bonus as the top prospect in the 2016 international class. He batted .241/.290/.340 with two homers and 18 RBI over 42 games in rookie ball this season, but he’s still very young with a lot of room to grow.