KISSIMMEE, Fla. — The Atlanta Braves have signed 18-year-old shortstop Edward Salcedo (Sal-SAY-doh) of the Dominican Republic to a free-agent contract.

The Braves say they regard the 6-foot-3 Salcedo as a first-round talent who is projected as a strong offensive and defensive player.

That's important, because the Braves lost their first-round pick in the June draft by signing free-agent closer Billy Wagner from Boston.

Braves director of international scouting Johnny Almaraz says Salcedo is "a significant signing" and "one of the top international players we've seen in a while."

Salcedo is expected to report to one of the Braves' Class A teams, Rome or Myrtle Beach.