Rangers sign Cuban defector to $15M deal By REUTERS

Cuban defector Leonys Martin, a speedy outfielder, has signed a five-year contract with the Texas Rangers, the Major League Baseball team said on Wednesday.

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed but local media reported the contract is worth $15.5 million with a $5 million signing bonus.

Martin, 23, defected after playing for Cuba’s national team in the FISU World University Championships in Japan last year. He was a .314 career hitter in the Cuban League.

He is expected to begin play at the Rangers’ minor league team at Frisco, Texas.