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 centre field with strength and quickness.
Vilorio was ranked No. 19 by Baseball America and No. 15 by MLB.com among international prospects.
One of the top outfield prospects available on the international market this year is joining the Yankees.
Industry sources report that as the 2024 signing window opened on Monday, the Yankees and Francisco Vilorio, who is ranked as MLB.com’s No. 15 international prospect, reached an agreement. The agreement has not yet been verified by the club.
After Carlos Rodón turned down a qualifying offer from the Giants, the Yankees lost $1 million from their international signing pool, leaving the Bronx Bombers with $4,652,200.
Tall and projectable, Vilorio is an outfielder with the potential to be strong and have a variety of effects on the game. The teenage athlete is physically fit, has a good bat tool, and might eventually hit for both average and power. His sheer power is already beginning to manifest, and as his physique develops, more strength should follow.
He is a middle-of-the-order bat who, if he develops at the anticipated rate, might also be an offensive threat. He is prized because of his attacking potential, but he is also becoming better on the defensive end of the ball. Vilorio has the defensive tools to start in centre field and may choose to stay there. Additionally, he might outgrow the spot and move to a corner because he has the strength to match it. He currently exhibits the bat tool and arm strength to fit the right fielder profile.
In the Dominican Republic, HPP Carlos Lopez trains Vilorio.
Between January 15 and December 15, international players are able to sign with Major League teams. Prior to signing, he must turn 16 and be 17 by September 1st of the following year.
