Rangers To Sign Venezuelan Shortstop Osleivis Basabe

The Rangers have agreed to sign Osleivis Basabe, a 17-year-old shortstop from Venezuela who ranked as the No. 46 international prospect for July 2 in the 2017 class.

Basabe, who is 6-foot-1, 165 pounds, was one of the best athletes among 2017 international prospects, with a quick-burst first step and plus-plus speed. He has a plus arm too, and while he has spent time in center field, he’s signing as a shortstop.

A righthanded batter, Basabe stood out more for his athleticism than his hitting going into July 2. However, playing in a four-team developmental league this winter in Venezuela, Basabe led the league in batting average, hitting .385 in 52 at-bats. Basabe also appeared in two winter ball games in the Venezuelan League with Zulia last month. Baseball America subscribers can read a full scouting report on Basabe, who is represented by Cesar Suarez.

Basabe also has three cousins in the minor leagues, including twin brothers Luis Alejandro Basabe (a Diamondbacks infielder) and Luis Alexander Basabe (a White Sox outfielder). Another cousin, shortstop Olivier Basabe, signed with the Padres as their eighth-round pick in the draft this year out of Faulkner (Ala.).