Cuban infield prospect Alexander Guerrero is closing in a multi-year deal worth $32 million with the Los Angeles Dodgers, according to industry sources.
The pact is expected to be between five and seven years. An official announcement is expected this week.
The 5-foot-11, 205-pound Guerrero is a veteran of Serie Nacional, the island’s top league, and was an All-Star in 2010 and ’11 with Las Tunas. He defected from Cuba earlier this year, established residency in Haiti and had been training in the Dominican Republic. Guerrero was granted free agency by Major League Baseball in July, but did not secure an unblocking license from the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), which would allow him to sign with a Major League team, until last Friday.
Guerrero participated in a series of showcases in front of scouts at the Dodgers’ complex in the Dominican Republic in July, where Los Angeles eventually emerged as the favorite. Known for his powerful bat and speed on the bases, Guerrero felt slighted when he was left off the Cuban team roster for the 2013 World Baseball Classic and risked his life in search of his big league dreams.
Jesse Sanchez is a national reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @JesseSanchezMLB. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
