Phillies sign 16-year-old Jhailyn Ortiz to reported $4-million deal

The Philadelphia Phillies continued to strengthen their organizational depth Thursday by signing 16-year-old outfielder Jhailyn Ortiz.

Ranked sixth among international free-agent prospects, the 6-foot-3, 240-pound Ortiz received a signing bonus of just over $4 million, according to Jim Salisbury of CSN Philly.

"We have been scouting Jhailyn since he was 14 years old," Phillies assistant general manger Benny Looper told reporters. "Since that time, our scouts have gotten to know the family and have a strong conviction of not only his ability to play baseball, but his strong character and desire to be a major-league player. We are excited to add the power potential Jhailyn possesses to the Phillies' organization."

Ortiz offers plenty of power but needs to work on his ability to make more contact, according to Salisbury, who also notes that Ortiz will likely get into game action at the Phillies' academy in the Dominican Republic.