The Toronto Blue Jays had a busy Monday. The organization improved the active roster by signing Anthony Santander to a five-year deal, the power bat the club desperately needed. Outside of the 40-man roster, the Jays also got to work on the international free agent front, pursing some players after the fallout from the Roki Sasaki sweepstakes that saw Toronto fall short to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the pursuit.

Leading the charge on the international front is Christopher Polanco, an infielder from the Dominican Republic who netted a $2.3 million bonus from the Blue Jays – the top signing from the club. Following the Polanco news, other prospects started to become linked to the Blue Jays from a signing perspective: SS Juan Sanchez ($1M), SS Elenaiker Coronado ($850K), RHP Alexander Valienta ($75K + $50K scholarship) and RHP Marcelo Marcelino ($10K).

Rounding out the group is shortstop Kennew Blanco, a Venezuelan product who netted a $900K bonus from the Blue Jays alongside countryman Coronado. For those who follow the Jays and their prospects, Blanco may be a familiar name.

Last winter, Blanco was slated to be one of the biggest names for the Jays in the international free-agent class. Ranked at #9 on MLB Pipeline’s international free-agency prospect board, Blanco and the Jays had a $1.7 million bonus on the table but the agreement fell through after concerns related to his age and supporting documentation had him pegged as a 17-year-old instead of 16.

The two sides remained on the same page but the deal was moved to the next signing period and Blanco, now 18 and off the MLB Pipeline ranked list, netted a bonus of $900K less than what was presented last year.

Looking ahead, there is a lot to be excited about the Venezuelan infielder. He has an easy swing on the right side of the batter’s box and has some good bat speed that helps generate pop when he torques his 6-foot-2 frame. Some development in the Jays system could unlock some more contact and power to help aid his swing as well, potentially making him more of a threat to hit for extra bases as he makes his way up the minor league ladder.

He is currently slated as a shortstop, as Blanco can easily get to the ball with his plus athleticism and 55-rank run metrics that allow him to get to the ball quickly. The biggest determining factor will be his arm and whether it can uptick above the average mark, as a move to the right side of the infield could be in his future. For now, the expectation would be that he will get a chance to prove he can hang at the shortstop position.

With over $8 million to play with following the Friday trade with the Cleveland Guardians, the Blue Jays are starting to disperse their international bonus pool funds. The club has currently committed just over $5.175 million to the above free agents (bonuses of $10K or less such as Marcelino’s do not count towards the pool) and have used their funds so far on upside middle infielders and some right-handers.