The Yankees added another top outfielder to their farm system Monday as the international signing period got underway.
The club agreed to terms with Francisco Vilorio, a 17-year-old outfielder from the Dominican Republic, for close to $1.7 million, a source confirmed.
The signing represented a sizable portion of the Yankees’ $4.625 million bonus pool and marked the second straight year in which their top international addition was an outfielder, after signing Brando Mayea out of Cuba for $4.35 million last January.
The 6-foot-3 Vilorio is viewed as a potential five-tool prospect who projects to bring power and speed in center field.
Baseball America ranked Vilorio as their No. 19 international prospect while MLB.com rated him as their No. 15 prospect.
The Yankees’ international signing group also featured 16-year-old third baseman Richard Matic and switch-hitting shortstop Dexter Peralta, both out of the Dominican Republic, among others.
The Yankees had a lower bonus pool from which to sign international prospects this year because they lost $1 million for signing Carlos Rodon, who had rejected a qualifying offer from the Giants.
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