While all things major league player-related remain stalled due to the shutdown, the Rangers agreed to shell out more than $3 million on a pair of Latin American teenagers when the international free-agent signing period began Saturday.
The Rangers announced 17-player deals Saturday, led by outside duo Anthony Gutierrez (Venezuela) and Jose de Jesus (Dominican Republic). According to sources, Gutierrez, who was ranked 13th among Baseball America’s top international prospects, received $2 million, while de Jesus, ranked 35th, received a $1.2 million bonus. Both signed on Saturday
The Rangers have a total of $5,179,700 to use on international free agents for the 2021-2022 signing period, which technically began on Saturday. Players signed for less than $10,000 do not count towards the cap.
The Rangers also signed shortstop Daniel Bruzual, Echedry Vargas, Luis Márquez, Esteban Meijia, Kleimer Lemos and Jaiker García, winger Roni Cabrera, Yeremy Cabrera, Oliver Yan and Erik Valbuena and catchers Jesús López and Alfredo Espinoza. However, none of the big signings were pitchers. All the boys were from Venezuela and the Dominican Republic.
Gutierrez, 17, was the highest-scoring prospect in deals. He was initially linked to the Washington Nationals but had moved to the Rangers in recent months. According to Baseball America, it is one of the best electric bats in its class. He reportedly has the athleticism to play in midfield, but at 6-3, 185, he is expected to become a corner winger.
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