Arizona Diamondbacks prospect Belfi Rivera loses majority of signing bonus to scam

An investigative report revealed that Arizona Diamondbacks prospect Belfi Rivera, a Dominican Summer League player, lost a significant portion of his $1.8 million signing bonus to an alleged financial scam. According to the report by Gus Garcia-Roberts, moneylender Santo Caraballo secured $950,000 from the teenager's deal, despite having no role in his baseball development. The funds were allegedly obtained through loans with high interest rates, leaving the player with a small fraction of his promised bonus after his trainer, John Carmona, also collected a 35% commission. The report highlights how verbal agreements often govern international signings, complicating efforts for families to secure promised payments. The investigation also cited the involvement of David Ortiz, who reportedly maintained business ties with Caraballo despite claims that the relationship ended over a year ago.

• 12:15 AMYahoo Sports — Diamondbacks' Dominican prospect is a scam victim, per detailed report