The Mariners have signed Leurys Vargas, a 16-year-old Dominican third baseman, for $400,000.

Vargas, the son of former big league lefthander Yorkis Perez, turned 16 yesterday but is already a physical 6-foot-3, 215 pounds. He stands out for his bat speed and raw power from the left side, though with his size he may end up moving over to first base.
Vargas played in the Dominican Prospect League and trained with Adolfo Frias, who is known as "Fifo." Frias also trained Mariners outfielder Julio Morban, who signed for $1.1 million with Seattle in 2008 and hit .313/.361/.550 in 76 games in high Class A High Desert in the California League this year.

Earlier this month, the Mariners also signed 16-year-old Brazilian lefthander Luiz Gohara, one of the top pitching prospects in this year's signing class.