Dodgers Sign 18-Year-Old Cuban Outfielder To $2 Million Deal
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — The Los Angeles Dodgers' pool of international talent just got a little bit bigger.
The team announced on Wednesday that it has agreed to terms with 18-year-old Cuban OF Yordan Alvarez.
Sources say the deal is worth $2 million, but the Dodgers will have to pay $4 million for this deal because of the 100% overage tax they are faced with for exceeding their international bonus pool.
Most of the prominent Cuban prospects will wait until July 2nd to sign, but Alvarez elected to sign just before the 2015-16 signing period ended on Wednesday.
ICYMI: The @Dodgers signed Cuban Yordan Alvarez, @BenBadler reports. https://t.co/dtnnPyS71w pic.twitter.com/CRo2zQszcV
— Baseball America (@BaseballAmerica) June 16, 2016
Alvarez is a 6-foot-5 left-handed hitter, who during the 2014-15 season in Cuba, hit .351 in 125 plate appearances.
He has the ability to play both outfield and first base.
With the 2015-16 signing period over, 10 teams are now in the penalty box for the upcoming 2016-17 signing period, which begins on July 2.
The Angels, Blue Jays, Cubs, Diamondbacks, Dodgers, Giants, Rays, Red Sox, Royals and Yankees all will be unable to sign any players subject to the international bonus pools for more than $300,000, Baseball America reports.
Great signing for #Dodgers. Yordan Has a chance to be an Anthony Rizzo, Fred McGriff type player. Great value #LA pic.twitter.com/PdM8c8uuXz
— Jerry Hairston, Jr. (@TheRealJHair) June 16, 2016
