International Sensation Known As "The Phenomenon" Signs For Club Record $4.9M with Nationals

The Washington Nationals are once again investing large in the international free agent market, as the signing period opened this weekend. They spent a franchise-record $4.9M on a switch-hitting Cuban outfielder named Cristhian Vaquero... But much more excitingly nicknamed "The Phenomenon."

His name is Cristhian Vaquero aka “The Phenomenon.”

He’s the top international prospect.

He’s a Washington National.@BaseballAmerica // #NATITUDE pic.twitter.com/ITOiXID8G9

— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) January 15, 2022

Vaquero was No. 2 on the Top 50 International Prospects list. the 6-foot-3 17-year-old has been called by mlb.com one of the most athletic, and one of the most dynamic prospects available, which helps explain his 'phenomenal' nickname. 

With that kind of size and switch-hitting ability, at that young age, the Nationals are not surprisingly extremely excited to be adding him to the organization. 

He can go get it center field as well, and projects as a plus-defender at the position. 

He has power, speed, a strong arm, and "shows tons of natural instinct."

The Nats also made headlines last week, when it was announced that Juan Soto's younger brother will also be committing to them when his international signing period opens.