Texas Rangers sign Yenci Pena, former Braves prospect

The Texas Rangers have signed Yenci Pena, a shortstop who was with the Atlanta Braves prior to being made a free agent last month, according to Ben Badler. Pena, a 17 year old from San Pedro de Macoris out of the Dominican Republic, spent last season with the Braves’ Dominican Summer League affiliate.

Pena, who originally signed for a $1.05 million bonus, got $675,000 to sign with the Rangers, per Badler. This leaves the Rangers with roughly $2.85 million to spend on other international free agents in this J-2 signing period.

Pena was one of 13 Braves international signees who were declared free agents as a result of the Braves’ malfeasance and rule-breaking in international free agency. Baseball America ranked him as the 8th best of the Braves prospects who were made free agents.