The Braves signed just one relatively-known prospect on Saturday and it's being reported the club inked Iosif Bernal out of Panama. The soon-to-be 17-year old signed for $175,000 and will likely play the rest of the year in a Panamanian baseball academy before coming over to America to play rookie-ball for the Danville Braves in 2012. Here is Scout.com's Bill Shanks' scouting report on Bernal:
Outfielder Iosif Bernal was signed for $175,000. He is a right-handed hitter and turns 17 years old in October.
Bernal is 6-3, 200 pounds. He can play either corner outfield position. The Braves believe he will have middle-of-the-order power potential.
Bernal is from Panama City. The Braves have had success in Panama the last few years, with Randall Delgado, Christian Martinez and Dimaster Delgado, three good prospects in the Atlanta farm system.
While MLB Trade Rumors was reporting Bernal signed for $230,000, it's safe to assume the dollar figure is somewhere in that range and we'll likely hear the final details within a few weeks.
The Braves have been looking to infuse speed and power into the farm system in recent years and Bernal could help in the power depart. While he'd be still years and years away from the Majors, he could turn into an interesting prospect in a few seasons with proper development.