MLB Rumors: Texas Rangers favorite to sign Julio Pablo Martinez

MLB Rumors: The Texas Rangers have “emerged as the favorite” for Julio Pablo Martinez, according to Jesse Sanchez. The 21 year old Cuban center fielder was cleared this week by MLB, and is eligible to sign a contract with an MLB team on March 6, according to Sanchez, who says the bonus he is expected to command is in the $2.7-2.8 million range.

The Rangers acquired additional international bonus slot pool money in a deal yesterday with the Cincinnati Reds, fueling speculation that the Rangers were loading up on money to sign Martinez. Martinez is a lefthanded hitter with a solid all-around skill set, though no one signature tool. He’s a solid prospect, though Keith Law said in his chat session today he wouldn’t put Martinez in his top 100. Martinez would likely end up in AA at some point in 2018, should he sign in March, and if all went well could potentially be a major league option at some point in 2019.