Major League Baseball’s signing period for international players began on Saturday, January 15, and the Texas Rangers wasted no time bringing two talented Latin players to their 2022 roster.
Anthony Gutierrez (Venezuela) and Jose de Jesus (Dominican Republic) were both signed to contracts with Texas on Saturday — $2 million for Gutierrez and $1.2 for de Jesus –, and both are outfielders, Sports Illustrated reports.
While the MLB and the MLB Players Union continue to work through a work-stoppage, the Rangers have spent the offseason bolstering their roster. Last November, ahead of the lock-out, the Rangers acquired Corey Seager and Marcus Semien in free agency to shore up their middle-infield. The additions of Gutierrez and De Jesus give the Rangers two young prospects who rank #6 and #27, respectively, on the 2022 MLB.com Top 50 International Prospects list.
MLB.com’s Jesse Sanchez reports Gutierrez can play center field and has a strong arm, but his growing frame, just age 17 at the time of signing, may force him to move to a corner outfield position. He has a compact and repeatable swing at the plate, and he has a knack for barreling up the ball. Gutierrez currently has right-center-field power and the ability to be a plus runner. He’s regarded as one of the class’s best hitters.
According to Sanchez, De Jesus, also age 17, demonstrates good swing mechanics on both sides of the plate and emerging power, particularly on the right side. He makes solid contact regularly and is improving his pitch recognition. Overall, De Jesus has a good feel for the strike zone and a sound batting approach.
He also can be an above-average runner and a base stealer. If he continues to develop at his current rate, he could steal 20 or more bases in the future.
The first Rangers game of Spring Training is scheduled for February 28 at Surprise Stadium outside Phoenix, Ariz., where the team plays its Cactus League games.
However, there has been no new movement in labor talks for the league, and the beginning of spring baseball and the 2022 MLB regular season are still in limbo.
