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Texas Rangers Sign Cuban Third Base Prospect Yanio Perez

By David Hill

Aug 2, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; A general view of a Texas Rangers hat and glasses in the dugout during the game against the San Francisco Giants at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Texas won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 2, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; A general view of a Texas Rangers hat and glasses in the dugout during the game against the San Francisco Giants at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Texas won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /
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At some point, the Texas Rangers will need to face life without Adrian Beltre. They may have found their long term successor in Cuban third baseman/outfielder Yanio Perez.

There is no denying that Adrian Beltre is still a solid player for the Texas Rangers. At age 37, he has posted a .299/.358/.513 batting line with 30 home runs and 98 RBI. He seems destined to reach the 3000 hit mark, and could end up with 500 home runs when his career comes to an end.

While Beltre is not showing any signs of slowing down, at some point, the Rangers will need to prepare for life without their probable Hall of Fame third baseman. They may have signed the heir to the position in Cuban prospect Yanio Perez, a 21 year old third baseman/outfielder, inking him to a $1.1 Million signing bonus.

Considered to be the 13th best international prospect, Perez has seen his tools develop since he last played in Cuba. He had been known for his solid power potential, but his raw power has increased over the past year. Likewise, Perez was never considered to be a speed threat, but he ran a 60 yard dash in just under 6.5 seconds, giving him close to elite speed.

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This performance during his showcase in Mexico is much different than the player he had been in Cuba. A raw talent, even by Cuban standards, he had all of two home runs and three stolen bases. Of course, he was also playing in the Serie Nacional as a teenager, facing the best that the country has to offer.

There are questions as to whether or not Perez will remain at third. His defense is considered to be erratic, but that may improve with a greater focus on the fundamentals and improved coaching. If he does not stay at third, it is not inconceivable that he shifts to the outfield. Perez also played second, right, and first in Cuba, displaying some versatility on defense.

At 21 years old, Perez is still likely a long way from the Majors. He is expected to begin his time in the Rangers system in A-ball, but if his power and hitting show up, he may not remain there for long. In fact, if his power, speed and bat develop as expected, it may not be far fetched to think that he gets a look at the Major League before the end of the decade.

Next: Abreu points out lack of desire on White Sox

The Texas Rangers are set at third base right now, but they may have the next option in Yanio Perez. If he can improve his defense, he may be the heir to Adrian Beltre.

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