Phillies have deal with international star Ortiz
Sources say outfielder has agreed to estimated $4.2 million signing bonus
The Phillies are finalizing a signing bonus with teenage outfielder Jhailyn Ortiz of the Dominican Republic for an estimated $4.2 million, according to industry sources.
The belief among scouts is that the raw power that Ortiz -- ranked No. 6 on MLB.com's Top 30 International Prospects list -- shows as a 16-year-old is rarely seen on the international market, and the rest of his game is not far behind. The Phillies are also coming to terms with teenage catcher Rafael Marchan of Venezuela for a sum near $200,000, according to industry sources. The club did not confirm the agreements.
In accordance with the Collective Bargaining Agreement, each team is allotted a $700,000 base and a bonus pool with four slot values based on the team's record in 2014 for the international signing period, which started on Thursday. Philadelphia's overall pool total for this year's signing period is $3,041,700.
Teams that exceed the pools by 0-5 percent have to pay a 100 percent tax. Teams that exceed the pools by 5-10 percent are not allowed to sign a player for more than $500,000 during the next signing period, and they have to pay a 100 percent tax on the pool overage. Teams that exceed the pools by 10-15 percent are not allowed to sign a player for more than $300,000 during the next signing period, and they have to pay a 100 percent tax on the pool overage.
In the most severe penalty, teams that exceed the pool by 15 percent or more are not allowed to sign a player for more than $300,000 during the next two signing periods, and they must pay a 100 percent tax on the pool overage.
Some scouts have expressed concerns about Ortiz's overall athleticism and wonder if his large frame will eventually force him to switch positions from the outfield (he currently plays left field) to first base. Others believe he has the tools to stay in the outfield and will only get better defensively and as an overall hitter once he signs and is placed into a team's academy.
One thing is certain: Ortiz has the most raw power in the entire class and has shown an ability to hit in games.