Twins agree with int'l SS Javier on $4M bonus

The Twins have made a splash on the international market, agreeing to a $4 million deal with Dominican Republic teenage shortstop Wander Javier, according to industry sources.

There are some scouts who believe that Javier, ranked No. 8 on MLB.com's Top 30 International Prospects list, has the potential to be the best all-around player in the class. There are others who would like to see him display his talents more consistently.

The Twins have not confirmed the agreement.

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. Minnesota's overall pool total for this year's signing period is $ $3,948,500.

Teams that exceed the pools by zero to five percent have to pay a 100 percent tax. Teams that exceed the pools by five to 10 percent are not allowed to sign a player for more than $500,000 during the next signing period, and they also have to pay a 100 percent tax on the pool overage. Teams that exceed the pools by 10 to 15 percent are not allowed to sign a player for more than $300,000 during the next signing period, and they have to pay a 100 percent tax on the pool overage.

In the most severe penalty, teams that exceed the pool by 15 percent or more are not allowed to sign a player for more than $300,000 during the next two signing periods, in addition to paying a 100 percent tax on the pool overage.

Javier is a strong teenager with plus raw power and plus arm strength. He's also shown the ability to hit in games in addition to scouting showcases, and his ability with the bat has some scouts thinking that he will be a middle-of-the-order player in the future.

The teenager has a good build for a shortstop, and he has the defensive actions that will allow him to stay at the position. He could move to third base as his body grows, but he'll start his career in the middle of the diamond.