D-backs lock in six international prospects

PHOENIX -- The D-backs on Monday announced the signings of their first six international free agents since the 2013-14 international signing period began on July 2. Highlighted by top catching prospect Jose Herrera, the class includes five position players and one pitcher, all from either the Dominican Republic or Venezuela.

This is the first year organizations are operating under a new set of guidelines that allows them to work with a base of $700,000, plus a bonus pool made up of four slot values based on their 2012 record. The pools range from just under $4.25 million for the Astros, who had the Majors' lowest winning percentage, to just under $1.15 million for the Nationals, who had the highest winning percentage.

Last year, each club was allotted $2.9 million across the board to spend on the international market.

Combining their base and pool money, the D-backs had $2,355,700 to spend beginning July 2 and through their first six signings, the club has used $1,910,000.

Herrera, a 16-year-old switch-hitter ranked as the seventh-best international prospect and top catcher in this year's class, according to MLB.com, signed for $1,060,000. He hails from Venezuela, just like current backstop Miguel Montero.

The D-backs also inked outfielder Francis Martinez for $350,000, outfielder Jose Lopez for $200,000, infielder Josue Herrera for $150,000, infielder Didimo Bracho for $80,000 and right-hander Argency Hiciana for $70,000.