A’s sign 16-year-old Venezuelan prospect for $2.2 million

Today is the start of the international signing period, where teams throw millions of dollars at teenagers from the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, and various other locales. Ben Badler of Baseball America reports that the A’s have made the first big splash, signing 16-year-old Venezuelan third baseman Renato Nunez for $2.2 million. According to Badler “several international scouts have called Nunez ... the top hitter available this year out of Venezuela with the ability to hit for both average and power.” Baseball America also has some video of Nunez fielding ground balls and taking batting practice, if you want to see what a 16-year-old worth $2.2 million looks like.