Yankees sign top international prospect, for $1.7 million

As the international signing period opened on Monday, the Yankees added another elite outfielder to their farm system.

According to a source, the club reached an agreement to sign Francisco Vilorio, a 17-year-old outfield player from the Dominican Republic, for around $1.7 million.

After acquiring Brando Mayea from Cuba for $4.35 million in January of last year, the Yankees’ largest foreign acquisition this season was an outfielder. The deal accounted for a sizeable amount of their $4.625 million bonus pool.

The 6-foot-3 Vilorio is thought to be a five-tool talent with the ability to play center field with strength and quickness.

Vilorio was ranked No. 19 by Baseball America and No. 15 by MLB.com among international prospects.

This year, the Yankees lost $1 million when they signed Carlos Rodon, who had turned down a qualifying offer from the Giants, thus they had less bonus money with which to acquire foreign prospects.