Mets land pair of top international free agents

The Mets are adding two premier prospects, including one familiar baseball name, to their Minor League ranks.

According to industry sources, the Mets agreed to a $1.2 million signing bonus with Venezuelan shortstop Andres Gimenez, ranked No. 15 on MLB.com's Top 30 International Prospects list, and a $1.5 million signing bonus with Dominican Republic shortstop Gregory Guerrero, who is ranked No. 17.

The Mets did not confirm the agreements.

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, which started Thursday. New York's overall pool total for this year's signing period was $2,531,300.

The Mets acquired an additional $239,400 in pool money from the Angels, the value of LAA's slot No. 90, in exchange for right-handed pitcher Gaither Bumgardner on Thursday afternoon.

Gimenez, considered by many as the top hitting shortstop in Venezuela, profiles as an everyday shortstop if he continues to develop as expected. He has smooth defensive actions and an arm strong enough to keep him at the position as he matures. On offense, he has some power and has displayed the ability to hit the ball into the gaps on a consistent basis.

As for Guerrero, the nephew of former Major Leaguer Vladimir Guerrero and the cousin of Vladimir Guerrero Jr., he has a strong arm, quick feet and easy actions on defense. He has shown some raw power and the ability to hit home runs. His athleticism and tools will keep him at the position as he grows. Gregory's older brother, Jose Guerrero, is a Minor League pitcher with the Mets.