Acquiring Cuban talent and spending money. Right up the Los Angeles Dodgers’ alley.
The Dodgers have agreed to a six-year, $62.5 million contract with Cuban star Hector Olivera, an industry source told MLB.com’s Jesse Sanchez. The deal reportedly includes a $28 million signing bonus.
Olivera, who turns 30 in April, played mostly second base in Cuba, though he also could play third base. He’ll likely need some time in the minors upon joining the Dodgers, but he could make an impact with Los Angeles as soon as this season.
Olivera’s signing process was rather strange, as there had been rumors regarding a UCL injury. The talented infielder reportedly impressed scouts at recent showcases and workouts, though, and the right-handed hitter has plenty of offensive potential.
The New York Yankees, Atlanta Braves, Miami Marlins, San Francisco Giants and San Diego Padres also had expressed strong interest in signing Olivera, according to Sanchez.
The Dodgers certainly are no strangers to securing talented Cuban ballplayers. Los Angeles also has added Yasiel Puig ($42 million), Alex Guerrero ($28 million), Erisbel Arruebarrena ($25 million) and Pablo Fernandez ($8 million) within the last three years.
Thumbnail photo via Twitter/@MLBONFOX
