UPDATE: Rangers Secure Agreements with Three Prominent International Free Agents…
As the international free agent signing period commences, the Texas Rangers have reached agreements with three standout amateur free agents: outfielder Paulino Santana and shortstops Curley Martha and Yolfran Castillo.
Hailing from the Dominican Republic, Santana holds the #2 spot on MLB Pipeline’s international free agent rankings. Recognized as a potential five-tool player, the right-handed hitter has garnered praise from Baseball America for his spin recognition and strike zone judgment. The MLB.com scouting report highlights his keen sense of the strike zone and adaptability.
Martha, ranked #29 on the MLB Pipeline board, represents Curacao and notably excelled for the Curacao team in the 2019 Little League World Series. Described as a “pure hitter” with advanced instincts, Martha is anticipated to follow a path similar to Jurickson Profar, another Curacao talent previously signed by the Rangers. Both Pipeline and BA suggest that Martha is primarily a bat-oriented player, likely transitioning from shortstop.
Hailing from Venezuela, Castillo secures the #46 spot on the Pipeline board. Like Santana and Martha, he receives commendation for his batting prowess and understanding of the strike zone. Castillo, distinguished by his tall and rangy physique, is considered more likely than Martha to remain at shortstop.
The Rangers have a budget of $4,652,200 available for signings, having incurred a $1 million loss due to last offseason’s acquisitions of Nathan Eovaldi and Jacob deGrom as free agents. While additional signings are expected with the opening of the J-2 window, Santana, Martha, and Castillo are the high-profile signees likely to receive the majority of the pool money. Players signing for $10,000 or less do not impact the bonus pool.
Anticipated to spend the 2024 season in the Dominican Summer League, all three players could potentially exceed expectations and advance to play in the U.S. before the season concludes, as demonstrated by Sebastian Walcott’s experience last year. Santana, in particular, has drawn comparisons to San Diego’s Ethan Salas, signing with the Padres last year and advancing to AA by the end of the season, indicating his potential for a rapid ascent through the ranks.
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