By: Matt Rappa, managing editor 
PHILADELPHIA — Halfway through their season, the Philadelphia Phillies did not waste any time in agreeing to contracts with prospects on the opening day of the international signing period.
According to Jesse Sanchez of MLB.com, five international prospects — three shortstops, a catcher and right-handed pitcher — have agreed to deals with the club, which has the top overall pool total for this year's signing period at $5,610,800.
Two of the players are on MLB.com's Top 30 International Prospects list: No. 16-ranked RHP Francisco Morales ($900,00) and No. 26-ranked shortstop Brayan Gonzalez ($800,000). The Phillies were reported as the favorites to sign both Morales and Gonzalez in early May.
Sanchez writes:
Morales, the top pitcher from Venezuela, has the type of fastball that turns heads and the pitch has improved since the beginning of the year. His fastball has been clocked in the 92-96 mph range with movement, but his curveball could end up being his best pitch. He also throws a changeup and has shown better control.
As for Gonzalez, he has displayed solid infield actions with soft hands on defense. At the plate, Gonzalez has shown a mature approach and can drive the ball into the gaps. He could hit for average as a right-handed hitter and is still developing as a hitter from the left side.
The other three signings are shortstops Nicolas Torres ($665,000) and Jose Tortolero ($450,000), as well as catcher Juan Aparicio ($475,000), according to Sanchez.
The Phillies have approximately $2.3 million left to spend in the international period, which ends on June 15, 2017.
