Mariners agree to terms with int'l shortstop prospect Vargas

At 6-foot-3 and 180 pounds, teenage shortstop Carlos Vargas is one of the biggest middle infielders on the international market this year.

Now, Vargas, ranked No. 26 on MLB.com's Top 30 International Prospects list, is taking a huge step toward his future. The Mariners have agreed to a $1.7 million signing bonus with the teenage infielder from the Dominican Republic, according to industry sources.

The Mariners have not confirmed the deal.

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. Seattle's overall pool total for this year's signing period is $2,150,300.

Scouts like Vargas' raw power along with his projectable body, and there's a belief that he will hit for power in the future.

On defense, the teenager could be athletic enough to stay at shortstop as he matures, but he could also end up at third base because of his size. He could also end up in the outfield.

A veteran of MLB's Amateur Prospect League, Vargas was one of several top international prospects selected to participate in the inaugural International Prospect Series at USA Baseball's National Training Complex, a joint venture between Major League Baseball and USA Baseball. Vargas went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts in two games against a pair of North Carolina high school teams during the series.