Update: Derrick Goold of theSt. Louis Post Dispatch now writes that the Cuban shortstop is getting a four-year, $8 million deal, significantly less than the $20 million we heard originally.
The latest Cuban defector is ready to make his way to the major leagues, as Aledmys Diaz has agreed to a four-year contract with the St. Louis Cardinals. The Cardinals were reportedly one of the six finalists for Diaz just over three weeks ago. The Yankees, Blue Jays, Mariners, Padres, and Giants all expressed interest in him this winter.
Diaz will report to the Cardinals camp in Jupiter Florida on Monday. The deal is worth approximately $20 million according to Fox Sports Jon Morosi.
“He’s a player we’ve had interest in for awhile and the next natural step in the process was to put him in front of our people in this setting,” Cardinals general manager John Mozeliak said in February..
It appeared as though Diaz would sign with a club last season, but he was suspended for one-year after he was caught falsifying his age. Since Diaz was only 22 at the time, he wanted to appear older to be able to sign a MLB contract with none of the international rookie restrictions. Last month, Diaz turned 23, and became available to be signed at any amount and was no longer limited by the MLB cap on international rookie signins.
Diaz hit .315/.404/.500 with 12 home runs and 11 stolen bases in 313 plate appearances his final year in Cuba. He is a natural shortstop but is also able to play 2nd base, and 3rd base. Reports on Diaz’s defensive ability are mixed, but we have included a highlight package below.
It would appear that the initial plan is for Diaz to play in the Cardinals minor league system, as the team seems set on the infield with Allen Craig or Matt Adams at first base, Kolten Wong or Mark Ellis at second base, Jhonny Peralta at shortstop and Matt Carpenter at third.
The Cardinals also got good news on the Peter Bourjas front on Sunday as the center fielder returned to the lineup after missing a week due to hamstring tightness.
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