Jackson Signs Big International Free-Agent

The first major international free agent has signed, and he'll be in the Jackson system. Dominican pitcher Al Fernandez signed with the Vipers for a whopping $22.5 million signing bonus. Scouts say he could wind up being worth every penny. "We saw him as a potential ace for our team down the road. We implored our GM to go after this guy", said one unnamed NL scout. The 18-year-old starter will begin his career with Jackson's Low-A squad.