The international free agent market continues to evolve, with Venezuelan outfielder Orlando Patiño opting to sign with the Chicago White Sox instead of the Los Angeles Dodgers, according to Baseball America.
Patiño, who was initially expected to sign with LA for $400,000, will now receive a $570,000 signing bonus from the White Sox.
Dodgers Let Orlando Patino Walk, Focus On Sasaki
This decision stems from the Dodgers’ active pursuit of Japanese right-hander Roki Sasaki, which has necessitated a reallocation of their international bonus pool resources. As a result, LA was unable to guarantee Patiño a signing date of January 15th, prompting his camp to explore alternative options.
This development underscores the dynamic nature of the international free agent market and highlights the impact of high-profile signings on the strategies of Major League Baseball teams.
Given the front office’s belief that Sasaki is the best pitching prospect in the world, turning away other prospects may be a necessary evil. Andrew Friedman, President of Baseball Operations, previously identified Sasaki as a “major priority” for the team this offseason.
Friedman expressed confidence in Sasaki’s potential, stating, “He has talked about his desire to be the best pitcher in the world, and we believe he’s capable of being the best pitcher in the world.”, as he has a career 2.10 ERA with 505 strikeouts across 394.2 innings in his career in Nippon Professional Baseball.
According to Baseball America; “Patiño is the second player the Dodgers have lost from the 2025 international class. Darell Morel, a 6-foot-5 shortstop from the Dominican Republic with big lefthanded power, had been set to sign with LA but is now planning to sign with the Pirates for close to $1.8 million, a bonus that would be around double what he would have received from the Dodgers.”
Patiño, a physically imposing 6-foot-2, 203-pound outfielder, possesses exceptional strength for his age. While his physical development may have plateaued, Patiño consistently demonstrates the ability to drive the ball with impressive power, utilizing a swing designed for elevated trajectories.
Projected to play right field, Patiño possesses a plus arm, further enhancing his defensive profile.