Rangers give Nomar Mazara $5M bonus

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ORLANDO -- The Texas Rangers signed Dominican prospect Nomar Mazara on Saturday for a record bonus of more than $5 million, a source told ESPNdeportes.com.

Mazara, 16, is a 6-foot-5 outfielder who hits for power from the left side of the plate.

Rangers general manager Jon Daniels wouldn't address the signing of Mazara specifically Saturday, saying it was policy to refrain from commenting until deals are finalized and players have passed medical exams.

"However, it's fair to say we planned to be active in the international amateur market this year, consistent with our goal of adding the best talent possible in all arenas," Daniels said. "Our scouts have put in a lot of work to put us in position to do just that, and ownership continues to support us. Can't say enough about both groups' commitment to seeing us win."

Mazara and some of his relatives will travel Tuesday to Arlington, where the Rangers will present him to the media on Wednesday, ESPNdeportes.com has learned.

Texas is also close to signing Dominican pitcher Pedro Payano for $500,000 to $600,000, the source said, and Dominican outfielder Ronald Guzman for about $3.5 million, according to another source.

The Mazara deal sets a bonus record for international prospects, who are eligible to sign with MLB teams July 2 if they reach the age of 17 before Sept. 1.

The biggest signing bonus for an international prospect before Mazara's deal with the Rangers belonged to Dominican pitcher Michael Ynoa, who signed with the Oakland Athletics for $4.25 million in 2008.

Toronto, Boston and Oakland also showed interest in Mazara, the source said.

Enrique Rojas is a reporter and columnist for ESPNdeportes.com and ESPN.com. Information from ESPNDallas.com's Richard Durrett was used in this report.

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Enrique Rojas

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Enrique Rojas is a reporter and columnist for ESPNdeportes.com and ESPN.com.