The New York Yankees kicked off the year with a beneficial signing from the 2024 International signing period. The signing period kicked off January 15th, 2024, and will end in December. International prospects must be 16 years of age to be eligible for signing.
The Yankees had a spending pool of $4,652,200 after losing out on $1M from the Carlos Rodon signing. Amongst the team’s usual blockbuster transactions, they added young talent to pad their farm system with the gamble of potentially having a future all-star.
Outfielder Francisco Vilorio is out of Hato Mayor del Rey, Dominican Republic, and is ranked 15th of the top 50 international prospects. He is 17 years old and trains in the Dominican Republic.
Yankees International Prospect Scouting Report: OF - Francisco Vilorio
Francisco presents at a towering 6’4” at 212lbs, carrying a slim-athletic build with substantial vertical playing a key role in the majority of his game. His body mirrors one of a college basketball center and produces strength in the upper and lower half.
Vilorio projects to hit for both power and average in the future; the development of his swing will deliver him a real shot at being a five or six-hitter, possibly higher. His swing is fluid with a consistent load, bat path, and bat speed. His swing very much resembles Aaron Judge.
Defensively, Vilorio has some polishing to do, however, his tools are above average, starting with his speed and explosiveness. His ability to track the baseball and get to his spot is impressive and projectable. His arm scales on 55 on the 20-80 grading system, and isn’t far off from 60. The young Yankees outfielder will begin his professional career in the Dominican Summer League.