The Texas Rangers officially signed outfielder Leonys Martin, a Cuban defector, Wednesday. He will get a five-year major league contract worth $15.5 million that includes a $5 million signing bonus. It's the second-largest contract given to a Cuban defector. Hard-throwing left-hander Aroldis Chapman got a $30.25 million, six-year deal from the Cincinnati Reds in January 2010. "It's exciting and pretty unusual to add this kind of talent to the organization in April," Rangers general manager Jon Daniels said. "We're always looking to add premium ability and premium character to the organization, especially at a premium position that Leonys plays. It's our first foray into the Cuban defector market. Ownership stepped up with significant contract, including a sizeable signing bonus. It shows ownership's commitment not ony at the major league level, but adding talent on both ends of the pipeline." Read more: http://sports.espn.go.com/dallas/mlb/news/story?id=6478110
