7 years agoThe Texas Rangers have emerged as the favorites over the Marlins and Yankees to sign 21-year-old Cuban outfielder Julio Pablo Martinez. The recent defector will be free to sign with a team on March 6, and his bonus is expected to be in the neighborhood of $2.7 million. The Rangers traded pitcher Miguel Medrano for international bonus pool money for Martinez, and it looks to have done the trick. Martinez is the latest in a line of talented Cuban ballplayers and brings an enticing mix of power and speed as a left-handed batter. He produced a .333/.469/.498 line in his final season in the Cuban National Series and .297/.345/.449 in the Canadian-American Association, but there is always the question of how good that competition was. Martinez definitely has the physical skills of a future big leaguer, but he will likely need at least a full season in the minors before being considered for at-bats with the Rangers. In terms of dynasty potential, it is clear that he does not have the same potential as fellow Cuban Luis Robert, but he has the tools to be a major league center fielder. Treat him as a level below the top-100 prospects.--Sean Scampton
Source: Jesse Sanchez - Twitter