According to Jim Salisbury of Comcast SportsNet, there is 'significant, credible buzz' that the Philadelphia Phillies will sign top Dominican Republic prospect, Jhailyn Ortiz, with the club willing to pay him a $4 million bonus.
Ortiz, 16, was first linked to the Phillies early last month in a FanGraphs.com article, describing him as the eventual replacement to first baseman Ryan Howard.
Salisbury adds that 'all signs' are pointing towards the Phillies landing Ortiz, but not until July 2 at the earliest when the signing period begins for international prospects.
It is not uncommon for teams to reach verbal agreements with young international prospects before the signing period begins on July 2, but there’s always some anxiety until the club has a signature on the dotted line.
Like many young power hitters, Ortiz apparently kills a fastball but needs a lot of work hitting the breaking ball. At his age, he will have time to develop the skill and if he succeeds … well, there’s your opening day first baseman/cleanup man at some point down the road.
Ortiz is listed as 6'-2", weighing 260 pounds. In comparison, Howard is listed as 6'-4" at 250 pounds.
Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro Jr. would not discuss the potential signing of Ortiz with Salisbury, stating that they "don’t comment on rumors".
Matt Rappa (@mattrappa) is managing editor of Philliedelphia.com.
