Los Angeles Angels 2020-21 International Signing Preview

Last year's big international signing for the Angels was Arol Vera, a big-bodied shortstop (6-foot-3, 187 pounds) out of Venezuela.

For the 2020-21 signing period that opens on Jan. 15, the top target the Angels are expected to sign is another physical, offensive-minded shortstop, Denzer Guzman from the Dominican Republic. Guzman is 6-foot-2, 178 pounds with a loose, simple swing and good feel for the barrel, making hard contact with the potential to grow into above-average power. Guzman will probably start his career at shortstop, though a lot of scouts think his quickness and range will lead him to third base. His bonus is expected to come in around $2 million.

The Angels were also expected to sign Dominican outfielder Willy Fañas for a seven-figure bonus. Venezuelan shortstop Keiderson Pavon also looked like one of the main players in the Angels’ class. However, not long after the Angels hired Perry Minasian as their general manager in November, that changed, and it now looks like the Angels won't be signing either player, with Pavon staying in the division and headed to the Rangers.

Beyond Guzman, other notable players the Angels are expected to sign include Luis Viloria, a lefthander from Venezuela, as well as Darlin Francia, a long-limbed, 6-foot-3 righthander from the Dominican Republic. They should also land Venezuelan catcher Eiver Betancourt.

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