Rangers agree to deals with international prospects Anthony Gutierrez, Jose de Jesus

While everything involving major league players remains ground to a standstill due to the lockout, the Rangers did agree to plunk down more than $3 million on a pair of Latin American teenagers as the international free agent signing period began Saturday.

The Rangers announced deals with 17 players on Saturday, headed by the outfield duo of Anthony Gutierrez (Venezuela) and Jose de Jesus (Dominican Republic). According to sources, Gutierrez, who was ranked as the 13th best international prospect by Baseball America, received $2 million, while de Jesus, ranked 35th, received a $1.2 million bonus. Both signed Saturday

The Rangers have a total of $5,179,700 to use on international free agents for the 2021-2022 signing period, which technically began Saturday. Players signed for less than $10,000 do not count against the cap.

The Rangers also signed shortstops Daniel Bruzual, Echedry Vargas, Luis Marquez, Esteban Meijia, Kleimer Lemos and Jaiker Garcia, outfielders Roni Cabrera, Yeremy Cabrera, Oliver Yan, and Erik Valbuena and catchers Jesus Lopez and Alfredo Espinoza. None of the large signing class, however, were pitchers. All of the teens came from Venezuela and the Dominican Republic.

Gutierrez, 17, was the highest rated prospect among the deals. He was linked initially to the Washington Nationals, but had switched over to the Rangers in the last few months. According to Baseball America he is one of the better power bats in the class. He reportedly has the athleticism to play center field, but at 6-3, 185, he is expected to grow into a corner outfielder.

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