DOMINICAN EPUBLIC – Top Dominican prospect Miguel Angel Sano has been issued a work visa by the United States government clearing the way for the Minnesota Twins signee to begin his journey to the major leagues.

The Minnesota Twins signed Sano, who according to some scouts is blessed with the best tools for a prospect in at least a decade, in September to a club-record $3.15 million signing bonus.

Although Sano’s talent was unquestioned, this was not the case about his age and identity. His 6-foot-3, 190-pound frame and precocious skills on the field sparked questions about whether Sano was really the 16-year-old he claimed to be.

Major League Baseball, which conducts extensive investigations to help prevent teams from being defrauded, issued a report concluding that Sano’s identity was verified but that his age was “undetermined.”

The questions concerning his age led many teams to withdraw from negotiations. “He lost over $1 million,” said Rob Plummer, Sano’s agent. But the Twins remained confident that Sano would be eligible for a work visa.

“Because of all the speculation, everyone had some doubt (whether he’d get his visa),” said Mike Radcliff, Minnesota’s vice president of player personnel. “I guess we just had fewer doubts.”

Photo courtesy of bleacherreport.com

Tags: American League, Dominican Republic, Prospects