The St. Louis Cardinals might have an outside shot at a top flight international prospect, according to Derrick Goold.
Victor Victor Mesa is someone that the St. Louis Cardinals have scouted several times according to Goold. The rules for international free agency are so tricky that there is a chance Mesa will not be on the market until next season. If that becomes the case, the Cardinals might have a shot at signing him.
If Mesa becomes available during the July 2, 2019 signing period then the Cardinals will have the ability to offer what is needed. As of recently, the second generation outfielder, and his brother, are not officially free agents.
This story explains how Victor Victor Mesa may not sign until July 2, 2019 signing period, at which time -- into the fray the #stlcards would leap as an interested bidder without any limitations. They've seen/scouted him often. (1/2) https://t.co/P5jegtVFJD
— Derrick Goold (@dgoold) July 27, 2018
Bloodlines
Victor Victor, and his brother Victor Jr., are the sons of Victor Mesa. Surprising, I know. The elder Mesa is a well known, very respected manager in Cuba. Both sons are exceptional talents, though Victor Victor is regarded as a phenom.
The 22 year old phenom is a great defender in the outfield with a great arm. One reason he can cover so much room in the outfield is his plus speed. At 22, he will likely progress through whichever system he decides on quickly.
The Cardinals Chances
This is all about timing. Because of the new CBA rules, the St. Louis Cardinals would not be able to offer what it takes this season. However, those restrictions will be lifted next season. They will be able to offer Mesa what they need to in order to sign him.
St. Louis scouting presence with Mesa is so amazing that Goold is able to tell a story about him.
So well-known was #Cardinals presence scouting Victor Victor Mesa that when I went to Cuba one member of Mesa Sr.'s team saw I was from St. Louis, he laughed and told me that's where Victor Victor was headed. The young Mesa wore a Cardinals cap around. (2/2)
— Derrick Goold (@dgoold) July 27, 2018
Timing is just too important when it comes to signing Mesa. The maximum amount that the Cardinals can offer to any international player is $300,000. They were able to score a talented infielder named Malcolm Nunez with that amount, but Mesa will cost more.
Mesa’s availability came up because it looking like he was close to a deal with the Orioles. However, he cannot be when he isn’t officially a free agent. He will be once the process is through. We do not know where he is in the process.