Mets sign 17-year-old prospect for $5 million

Mar 26, 2022; Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA; The New York Mets logo stands in center field before the game against the Washington Nationals at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Mets have agreed to a multimillion-dollar deal with one of the top international prospects in the world, and the shortstop is not even a legal adult yet.

Elian Peña, the No. 3 international prospect in MLB.com’s rankings, got a franchise record $5 million signing bonus from the Mets on Wednesday, according to multiple reports.

The $5 million figure represents the highest portion of international bonus pool money the Mets have ever allocated to a single player, at roughly 80% of their $6.2 million. The previous mark was set a year ago, when they committed $2.85 million to Venezuelan catcher Yovanny Rodriguez.

Peña has drawn comparisons to star Dominican players like Rafael Devers and Robinson Cano. The 5-foot-10, left-handed hitter is viewed as a five-tool player who can hit the ball all over the field. Scouts have praised Peña for his discipline at the plate.

"Very unique situation where you're able to bring in someone of his talent and caliber into the organization out of the international signing process."

David Stearns talks about the Mets' signing of international free agent Elian Peña: pic.twitter.com/zfw5byLuv0

— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) January 15, 2025

The Mets have already had a huge offseason, headlined by signing one of the top free agents in MLB history. Their prospect pipeline now looks much better with the addition of Peña.