Rangers favorites to sign top international prospect Martinez

The Texas Rangers haven’t been very active this offseason, but they might be signing a top international prospect in March.

The Texas Rangers are a team stuck in limbo for contention. They haven’t signed a key free agent this offseason or really done anything major. Texas is facing tough competition with 2017 World Series champs in the Houston Astros, as well as the L.A. Angels. The club didn’t have the funds for a major signing such as a run at Yu Darvish. But now, the Rangers are the favorite to sign a top international prospect in Juan Pablo Martinez.

Jesse Sanchez, a national reporter for MLB.com, broke the news on Twitter, suggesting the Rangers could sign Martinez when he becomes eligible on March 6.

So, there is optimism for Rangers fans heading into 2018. While fans won’t know for sure until March 6, the club appears to be the top suitor so there should be no worries there. His acquisition would bolster a starving Rangers system that has been depleted in recent years with trades for guys like Johnathan Lucroy. Now, the Rangers are trying to stay competitive while building up from within. At least they are signing a notable player, even though he’s a few years away.

Here is Baseball America on Martinez’s first assignment:

"While Martinez’s first assignment will depend on several factors, his talent level is commensurate with a player in high Class A or Double-A. At around 5-foot-10, 180 pounds, Martinez has a good combination of power and speed from the left side. He batted .333/.469/.498 in 264 plate appearances during his final season in Cuba, with 52 walks, 30 strikeouts and 24 stolen bases in 29 attempts."

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With that said, the Rangers have a good problem. They are most likely going to get a premier talent and for cheap. Martinez is only 180 pounds, but he should fill himself out as he ages. He sits back on balls in the zone and his swing promotes hard contact. At 21, the lefty swinger has developing power and can swipe stolen bases. If the Rangers do sign him, they will be getting a very intriguing and versatile player.