Dodgers announce wave of international, minor-league signings as early Christmas gift

The international signing period ended on Dec. 15, and the Dodgers packed a couple of extra deals in right at the last minute. When the window opened, they were quick to sign No. 14 international prospect Emil Morales and five others, but were otherwise quiet in that market.

With Roki Sasaki's future unknown at that point, it wasn't out of the question that the Dodgers were consciously saving the rest of their $4.14 million bonus pool allotment in case he was posted. They added a few more interesting names throughout the year, but they seemed to be hanging onto their money tightly — just in case.

However, with Sasaki officially posted during Winter Meetings and not expected to sign until the next period begins on Jan. 15, 2025, the Dodgers added a few extra international prospects at the last minute: shortstop Antoni Urena, second baseman Hendry Arvelo, and pitchers Aneudy Almonte, Samuel Savinon, Alexis Reyes, Cesar Sanchez, and Shai Romero.

The Dodgers were still left with $1.9 million in unspent money, the second-largest remaining amount for any team except the Orioles, who still had $2.1 million.

Dodgers sign seven international prospects as signing window closes, plus three minor leaguers

They also gave minor league contracts to shortstop Kendall Simmons, a sixth-round draft pick for the Phillies in 2018; outfielder Justin Dean, 17th-round pick for the Braves in 2018; and pitcher Tanner Kiest, also a Phillies pick in the 28th round of the 2014 draft. Kiest was the Dodgers' 27th pick the year before, but declined to sign a contract. All have yet to see their major league debuts, and have had rocky trips through the minors.

Next year, after the period begins again, the Dodgers will have a little over a week to make a deal happen with Sasaki, who may be their only international free agent signing if they get their way. Multiple teams are currently in the process of courting him and much is unknown about his mentality going into free agency, but the Dodgers are still thought of as one of the favorites.

If they do sign him, they'll have $5,146,200 to offer him from the bonus pool, the lowest amount of any team except for the Giants (and unspent money doesn't roll over from the previous period). It would bar them from the rest of the international class, but that seems like something the Dodgers are more than willing to risk.