Red Sox in Running to Sign Cuban First Baseman Jose Julio Ruiz

According to MLB.com, the Red Sox are among six major league teams interested in signing Cuban first baseman Jose Julio Ruiz.

Ruiz's agent, Jorge Luis Toca, wants his client to play in the major leagues as soon as possible. 

"The idea is to find a team where he'll have the best opportunity to rise the quickest," Toca told El Nuevo Herald.

The 25-year-old hit .305 with a .408 on-base percentage in 52 games with his Cuban National Series team. The 6-foot-3 first baseman has a career batting average of .330 in five National Series seasons.

The Blue Jays, Rangers, Giants, Rays and Rockies are also reportedly interested in the Cuban prospect. The Red Sox could provide Ruiz the opportunity to play with fellow countryman Jose Iglesias, whom the Red Sox signed last July.

The start of spring training has intensified negations, and Ruiz will select an organization soon, the Miami Herald reports.