Scouts gather to view Dominican prospects Heredia, Reyes, others

The Dominican Prospect League showcase event, which features several young Dominican players who are expected to receive bonuses from big-league teams, including outfielders Starling Heredia and Franklin Reyes and infielders Fernando Tatis Jr. and Wander Javier, wraps up Wednesday at Fort Lauderdale Stadium after three days of workouts and games before dozens of major-league scouts.

Signing Dominican prospects has historically been scandal-plagued, and the Dominican Prospect League was formed to streamline that process. It is intended to facilitate above-board signings and help prepare the kids for life as a professional ballplayer.

This year, 60 players attended the event, which was heavy on middle infielders and outfielders and also included well-regarded prospects Juan Soto, Rafioby Urena and Robert Barreras -- three more outfielders. About 60-70 big-league scouts have been spotted at the South Florida gathering.

The event is patterned after California's famed Area Code Games, which has helped teams learn about young players in that prospect-rich state. No less than 500 players have signed out of the DPL since its inception in 2010, with a total bonus figure of $80 million. Many players will receive six-figure deals, and a few prodigies will reach seven figures in the signing period that begins July 2.