Rangers finalize contract with Leonys Martin

The Rangers finalized a five year, 15.5 million dollar deal with Cuban defector Leonys Martin, according to ROTOWORLD. This long anticipated deal with the Rangers came through after approval from the State Department, because he was seeking political asylum.

Martin is reportedly a speedy and toolsy center fielder who is close to being ready for the major leagues. It's likely that after a short period at the Rangers' extended spring training camp, he could move to Double-A or Triple-A and could be a major league option before the end of the year.

Martin was viewed as a high-value target by the Rangers, who do extensive scouting in the Caribbean and South America. If all goes well, he could see his first opportunity in the big leagues in 2012.