The Rangers already have Luisangel Acuña, the younger brother of Venezuelan star outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr., in their farm system, and now they are on the verge of signing outfielder Pablo Guerrero, son of Hall of Famer Vladimir Guerrero and brother. Blue Jays hitter Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
According to industry sources, the club also reached an agreement with Bahamas shortstop Sebastian Walcott, the No. 8 prospect on the NBA roster. best 50 promises of the international market.
The Rangers, who have a base signing fee of $4,144,000, have not confirmed the deals, which are still subject to the results of medical exams.
Guerrero currently trains in the Dominican Republic with his uncle, former Major League Baseball player Wilton Guerrero. He has a similar body to his older brother and could end up in the same position. The teenager has also played a bit of third base and the outfield, though he’s projected to move to first base in the future.
How high is Walcott’s ceiling?
Well, some believe the tall, skinny shortstop could give the Marlins’ Jazz Chisholm a run for their money as the best prospect to come out of the Bahamas thanks to his athletic skills and baseball intelligence.
Walcott has the potential to hit for average and power. He’s already an above-average running back and could be a base-stealing star in the future. For now, the projection is for him to hit near the top of the lineup. He could end up being a mid-order hitter as he is expected to continue to grow and muscle up.
Walcott trains with Geron Sands and Albert Cartwright at the “International Elite Academy” in the Bahamas.
An international player is eligible to sign with a Major League Baseball team between January 15 and December 15. The player must be 16 years old before signing and 17 years old before September 1 of the following year – in practical terms, that means players born between September 1, 2004 and August 31, 2005 will be eligible to sign in this next period. Players need to be registered with Major League Baseball in advance to be eligible to sign.
Teams are allowed to make changes to their international signing quota beginning January 15.