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.