Cuban infielder Hector Olivera signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday.
According to MLB.com, which first reported the deal, Olivera agreed to a six-year, $62.5 million contract. The deal includes a $28 million signing bonus. Olivera had gotten interest from a lot of teams. The New York Yankees, Atlanta Braves, Miami Marlins, San Francisco Giants, and San Diego Padres were the teams that had strong interest in signing Olivera.
Olivera was a star player on Cuba’s national team. In 2011 he got attention from major league scouts while playing in Cuba’s Serie Nacional. He hit .316 and had a .412 on-base percentage and a .474 slugging percentage in 2013-14. In 60 games in Serie Nacional Olivera hit .341 with a .468 on-base percentage and a .626 slugging percentage, and had 17 homeruns, according to USA Today. It was reported last month that Olivera could have a damaged UCL in his throwing arm. He had four physicals done and it appears that he doesn’t have a damaged ligament in his throwing arm.
Olivera has to obtain a visa to play in the U.S. He could be ready for the majors by mid-season. He joins a Dodgers infield that includes second baseman Howie Kendrick and shortstop Jimmy Rollins. Olivera will most likely play third base, where Juan Uribe is expected to start. The Dodgers also have Cuban infielder Alex Guerrero and shortstop prospect Corey Seager.
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