Posted by Sabrina B. @gametimegirl
The Texas Rangers officially signed outfielder Leonys Martin, a Cuban defector, Wednesday. He will get a five-year major league contract worth $15.5 million that includes a $5 million signing bonus.
Martin, 23, has been working out with the Rangers in extended spring training in Surprise, Ariz., and will continue to do so for now. He could then wind up in Double-A Frisco. Martin took a physical with the Rangers a few weeks ago, but the deal was delayed because of processing and immigration. To clear a spot on the 40-man roster for Martin, the Rangers designated right-hander Ramon Aguero for assignment.
Martin has great speed and projects as a leadoff hitter and someone who can cover lots of ground in center field and has a good arm.
Martin played for Cuba in the 2009 World Baseball Classic and he was 2-for-7 with three runs as a backup outfielder. He hit .398 in 2007-08 in Cuba, garnering some attention with the second-highest batting average in the league. He also had 13 stolen bases and nine triples. In 2008-09, Martin batted .311 and had a .491 on-base percentage. He stole 17 bases and was fifth in the league in walks with 78.
Martin could end up with the Rangers at some point later this season depending on how he progresses in the minors.
Richard Durrett covers the Rangers for ESPNDallas.com.
Follow Richard Durrett on Twitter: @espn_durrett