Rockies sign int'l free agent Montano for $2M

Colorado is historically one of the most active teams on the international market, and that trend continues this year.

According to industry sources, the Rockies have agreed to a $2 million signing bonus with Venezuelan outfield prospect Daniel Montano, who is ranked No. 12 on MLB.com's Top 30 International Prospects list.

The Rockies have not confirmed the agreement.

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 Thursday. Colorado's overall pool total for this year's signing period is $4,966,300.

Scouts love Montano's lean, athletic body. The 6-foot-1, 178-pound teen is a natural left-handed hitter with a fluid stroke and a good approach in games. He has also shown some power, and he's expected to get stronger as he grows. On defense, Montano has enough arm strength to play his primary position in center field. He has been praised for his ability to read balls off the bat and for his defensive instincts.

Montano does have some experience playing in the infield, particularly at second base, but his future will be in the outfield.