SAN FRANCISCO – The Giants reportedly made another international investment on Sunday, agreeing to terms with Eddy Julio Martinez on a contract that will pay the 20-year-old center fielder from Cuba a bonus worth $2.5 million.
Scouts have compared Martinez’s power potential, solid build and athleticism to Andruw Jones, according to Jesse Chavez of MLB.com, who first reported the signing. Martinez spent two seasons in Cuba’s top league, Serie Nacional, and also has experience playing for Cuba’s junior national team in Venezuela and Mexico.
Baseball America’s Ben Badler described Martinez as “a solid prospect but not a premium one” with mostly gap power who should be ready for competition at a full-season Single-A affiliate next season.