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Phillies add former Braves catching prospect Abrahan Gutierrez

By George Stockburger

PHILADELPHIA, PA - MAY 22: General manager Matt Klentak of the Philadelphia Phillies talks to the media before a game against of the Colorado Rockies at Citizens Bank Park on May 22, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - MAY 22: General manager Matt Klentak of the Philadelphia Phillies talks to the media before a game against of the Colorado Rockies at Citizens Bank Park on May 22, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images) /
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The Atlanta Braves loss is the Phillies gain this offseason

Former Braves prospect Abrahan Gutierrez has reportedly signed with the Phillies after being freed from his contract with Atlanta, according to Baseball America’s Ben Badler.

NBC Philadelphia’s Jim Salisbury and MLB.com Phillies insider Todd Zolecki also confirmed the news of Gutierrez’ signing.

Atlanta was forced to forfeit 13 international prospects after an investigation found they misused international funds. General manager John Coppolella was banned from baseball for life and team president John Hart resigned following commissioner Rob Manfred’s investigation.

Gutierrez, an 18-year-old catcher from Venezuela, was one of the Braves more prized international prospects lost due to the sanctions. After receiving a $3.53 million signing bonus from Atlanta the Phillies have reportedly acquired him for just $500,000.

According to commissioner Manfred, Gutierrez will be able to keep the money from the Braves in addition to his new deal with Philadelphia.

It’s an impressive signing by Matt Klentak considering Gutierrez was one of the top international free agent catchers available last summer.

In his first season of professional baseball, Gutierrez hit .264 with 34 hits in 35 games for the Braves rookie league team. He’s known for his ability to hit and play defense behind the plate, and considering his age he’s a name to watch down the road once the organization has a feel for Jorge Alfaro.

Expect Gutierrez to see most of his playing time in Short-Season Williamsport next season as he gets acclimated to the new organization and continues to grow in his teenage body.

Next: Phillies rumors: 5 non-tender candidates to sign

Atlanta still has 10 players available on the free agent market, and considering the Phillies are out on Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani they have some international signing bonus money to spend.

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