Reds’ Cam Collier wins Futures Game MVP; Rangers’ Teodo shines
ARLINGTON, Tex. — Cam Collier and Emiliano Teodo represent two extremes on the player acquisition spectrum. The Cincinnati Reds drafted Collier, a third baseman and son of a former big leaguer, out of junior college in the first round (18th overall) in the 2022 draft and gave him a $5 million bonus. The Texas Rangers signed a 19-year-old Teodo, ancient by Dominican amateur standards, for $10 million in 2020.
On Saturday, both prospects starred for their respective teams on the biggest stage of their young careers at the Futures Game.
Collier, the National League’s starting third baseman, was named The Larry Doby Award winner, given to the game’s MVP, after blasting a solo home run to open the scoring in the NL’s 6-1 win at Globe Life Field.
Teodo, meanwhile, started the game for the American League in what he hopes is his future home ballpark and became the first pitcher to ever throw two perfect innings in Futures Game history. The standout performance required just 14 pitches, 12 for strikes. It featured a 99 mph sinker and five whiffs.
It was a glimpse into Teodo’s dazzling potential during a season in which he has produced a 1.71 ERA with 89 strikeouts in 64⅓ innings over 14 starts for Double-A Frisco this season.
“I don’t think about [my bonus] because the bonus doesn’t make the player,” Teodo, 23, said in Spanish. “We’re all equal. Batters, as well as pitchers. Nobody is perfect. We’re here to do our jobs.”
