Report: Top Cuban prospect Julio Pablo Martinez declared a free agent

Julio Pablo Martinez, a 21-year-old outfielder considered the top Cuban prospect available to big-league teams, was reportedly declared a free agent by Major League Baseball this week, according to Baseball America's Ben Badler.

That means Martinez is eligible to sign with the major-league club of his choosing during the current signing period starting March 6. He can also opt to wait until the 2018-19 international signing season opens July 2.

Because he is under 25 years old, any contract Martinez signs is subject to the league's strict international bonus pool rules.

Martinez is a left-handed hitter who primarily plays center field. His most recent campaign in his homeland was the 2016-17 Cuban League season, when he hit .333/.469/.498 with six home runs and 24 stolen bases over 61 games.

He also has some experience playing in North America after spending the past two summers playing in the independent Can-Am League. In 2016, Martinez played for a traveling Cuban team that competed in the circuit; last year, he spent part of his summer with the Trois-Rivieres Aigles and hit .297/.345/.449 over 57 games.

At some point last summer, while still in the Can-Am League, Martinez officially defected from Cuba. In November, it was revealed that he had established residency in Haiti while awaiting clearance to become a free agent.

The Texas Rangers are considered one of the favorites to land Martinez, and possess the largest amount of international bonus money in this current signing period at just over $2 million, according to Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News. On Wednesday, the Rangers added some more international money by trading minor-league right-hander Miguel Medrano to the Cincinnati Reds for a $350,000 bonus slot.

Along with Texas, the New York Yankees and Miami Marlins are considered to be the favorites for Martinez, reports Jesse Sanchez of MLB.com.