Texas Rangers Prospect Countdown: #2 Andy Ibanez

Cuban slugger Andy Ibanez is one of the best young infielders in the minor leagues. The 23-year-old infielder is quickly moving through the minors and could be in a Texas Rangers uniform soon.

In July of last year the Texas Rangers signed infielder Andy Ibanez for $1.6 million. The Cuban-born infielder defected in 2014 and was a star hitter during the World Baseball Classic. At the age of 18 he won the Cuban version of the Gold Glove award.

In 2016 Ibanez hit .285/.355/.449 with 13 homers and 66 RBI in 130 games. Playing at two different levels and making it to Double-A last season. Ibanez not only has a good hitting ability, but speed and plate discipline too.

Ibanez walked 54 times last season with only 75 strikeouts. At the Single-A level Ibanez walked (29) more than he struck out (28) which is impressive for such a young hitter. Ibanez is not known for his speed, but was able to steal 15 bases and become a threat on the base paths.

The one area that needs major improvement is his defense. Committing 17 errors in just 103 games at second base last season. A Gold Glove fielder in Cuba, but that has not translated over yet.

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Ibanez is currently ranked #4 in the top 10 prospects at second base according to MLB.com. Quickly moving up the ladder through the Rangers minor league system. Ibanez has drawn strong comparisons to All-Star second baseman Howie Kendrick.

Ibanez has a chance to have better plate discipline and more power than Kendrick. Only 23-years-old if Ibanez can add more strength he could be a real power threat. The ETA for Ibanez is 2018, but a strong performance in the minors could get him in the Major Leagues in 2017.