Cubs send minor league outfielder Alexander Ovalles to Rangers

The early returns for the Cubs on the Cole Hamels trade have been excellent, and now we know the identity of the player-to-be-named-later in the deal that also sent Eddie Butler and Rollie Lacy to Texas. The Rangers announced that they have received 17-year-old Dominican outfielder Alexander Ovalles from the Cubs to complete the deal.

The Cubs signed Ovalles in the last international signing period for the maximum $300,000 bonus amount that was allowed as the Cubs were still under restrictions for going over the maximum in previous seasons.

Here’s what Baseball America said about Ovalles after he signed:

Ovalles is a 6-foot, 180-pound lefty who has hit well against live pitching, spreading line drives to all fields with gap power. Ovalles has high overall game awareness and his instincts are evident in the way he plays center field. Ovalles is an average runner, so there’s some risk he may end up in a corner, but his defensive instincts are advanced enough to give him a chance to stick in center.

Ovalles is currently on the disabled list with a broken hand. In 21 games in the Dominican Summer League before the injury, he hit .316/.430/.368 with four doubles and eight steals. However, those numbers are basically meaningless.

Ovalles certainly could one day turn into something good. Certainly someone in the Rangers organization thinks so. But his inclusion in this deal should not change anyone’s evaluation of the deal.