Checking Out the International Scene
It's almost time for the International Department's annual Big Day!
Photo Credit: Samantha McCloskey | Richmond Flying Squirrels
This Sunday marks the annual opening of the international free agent market. For years, July 2nd was the traditional date for this, which is why players signed internationally were often known as J2 players — a catchy name that was destroyed forever when the COVID pandemic pushed the official signings to January 15 as a temporary cost-savings device during the crowd-free days of the weird 2020 partial season (which I’m sure we’re all too happy to forget).
Yes, the pandemic (and owners who were going through a little cash flow problem because of it) is the reason why the 2022 International Free Agent class isn’t being announced until 2023, which has made everything a bit confusing. As I’ve written elsewhere, the change has had one extremely positive impact on international players: since the official signing now takes place after the Rule 5 draft, rather than during the season before it, these teenagers have been given one extra year of development before 40-man roster decisions about them become imminent. So that’s nice! When Aeverson Arteaga becomes a Rule 5 decision this November, he’ll be part of the last class that is forced onto 40-man rosters before their 21st birthday.
But I’m getting off the topic here. The new international class is coming to town this weekend, and to help us prepare for that fun and celebratory day, I thought I’d take a look back at the Giants’ history with international development and scouting. It’s a tale that starts a little gloomy, I have to be honest with you, but it ends up on a pretty happy note, so the audience should go away pleased.
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