Rangers prospect Profar opts out of WBC
Texas Rangers infielder Jurickson Profar, considered by Baseball America as the game's top prospect, will not play for his native Curacao in the World Baseball Classic.
WEEI.com reported Monday that Profar will concentrate on competing for a spot on the Rangers' 25-man roster.
Profar, who turns 20 on Wednesday, made his major-league debut last September after a very productive season at the Class AA level. He batted .281 with a .368 on-base percentage and .452 slugging percentage, hit 14 home runs and stole 16 bases for Frisco last year. He homered in his first major-league at-bat but ended up batting .176 in 19 at-bats for the Rangers.
Profar could make the team as a utility infielder as second baseman Ian Kinsler, shortstop Elvis Andrus and third baseman Adrian Beltre have starting spots locked down. Profar is more likely to start the season at Class AAA Round Rock.
