Texas Rangers Sign Cuban Free Agent Andy Ibanez
By David Hill
The Texas Rangers have signed Cuban free agent second baseman Andy Ibanez to a contract worth $1.6 Million. With this signing, the Rangers have now spent $4.2 Million of their approximately $4.5 Million available to sign international free agents.
Source: Andy Ibanez's deal with the #Rangers is for $1.6M @MLBPipeline #Cuba
— Jesse Sanchez (@JesseSanchezMLB) July 8, 2015
Ibanez was considered to be one of the top infield prospects (subscription required) coming out of Cuba this year. While Ibanez is not considered to have the same type of potential that Yoan Moncada possesses, he is still thought of as a solid all around player, one who can contribute in any number of ways without having that one elite skill.
His ability on the diamond is certainly noticeable based on his statistics in the Cuban National Series. In his three seasons, beginning at age 18, Ibanez posted a solid .283/.348/.419 batting line with 13 home runs and 14 stolen bases. That speed is still a bit raw, as Ibanez was also caught 14 times attempting to steal. Ibanez was even a member of the Cuban National team that participated in the World Baseball Classic in 2013. Despite having only one at bat, Ibanez was still considered one of the better hitters in the tournament.
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As a player who is considered to be more of a doubles hitter than a true home run threat, Andy Ibanez’ best tools may be his defense and his batting eye. He won a Gold Glove award at second base at the age of 18, showing solid range and a decent arm. Last year, Ibanez drew 33 walks while striking out 28 times, and had a solid 9.8% walk rate over his past two seasons. Considering his age, especially compared to the other players in the top Cuban league, Ibanez acquitted himself quite well.
Based on his profile, the Texas Rangers may not have a future star in the mold of a Jose Abreu or a Yasiel Puig. However, they appear to have a solid middle infield prospect, one who is likely to remain at second instead of moving over to short. Ibanez may not have that one raw ability that separates himself from every other prospect, but there is certainly room for a player that does everything well and is considered to have a high baseball IQ.
Even though it may take a couple seasons before Andy Ibanez makes an impact with the Texas Rangers, they may have quite the solid second base prospect. In fact, Ibanez may turn out to be quite the steal at that contract.