The Texas Rangers recently signed 16 year old Nomar Mazara with an unprecedented $5 million bonus. The six foot five 16 year old set the international standard for signing bonuses; some have questioned the pick considering his tendency to strike out.
The previous record was holder was fellow Dominican Michael Ynoa, the pitcher was picked up by Oakland Athletics for $4.25 million in 2008. Athletes from abroad are exempt from certain signing limits, however Mazara may be the last of his kind. Following the 2012 rewriting of the collective bargaining agreement, new players face the possibility of a salary cap.
