Scout calls Cuban prospect Luis Robert 'best player on the planet'

It looks like 22-year-old Japanese phenom Shohei Ohtani has some competition in being considered the best player outside of the majors.

At only 19 years old, Cuban first base prospect Luis Robert is widely recognized as the most talented young player from the country in years. After opting against staying in Cuba, Robert has decided to pursue his major-league dream.

One that could lead to him turning into a superstar.

"I know I had a lot of people supporting me and watching me and hoping I would be the next star, but I made a decision," Robert said, according to Jesse Sanchez of MLB.com. "(Yulieski) Gurriel made his decision, and I think it was to prove that he could play at a different level and be challenged again. I can understand that."

Scouts that flock to his workouts believe Robert has the talent level to be labelled as one of the best ever. One American League scout called the 19-year-old "the best player on the planet, and that's no exaggeration."

"Ohtani is the best international player out there and he's a different animal because he would be the ace of a staff and he can hit," a National League international scouting director said. "But Robert is up there. He's a five-tool guy that can be in the big leagues soon. He has to be No. 2 behind Ohtani. He's that good."

The new CBA gives teams at least $4.75 million to spend on international prospects when it kicks in on July 2. If Robert signs before that, however, teams that have exceeded their bonus-pool spending limit - a group that includes the Oakland A's, Houston Astros, Atlanta Braves, St. Louis Cardinals, Washington Nationals, San Diego Padres, and Cincinnati Reds - will still be eligible to discuss a contract with Robert.