The next big Cuban player is official on his way to America. Earlier today, Jon Heyman confirmed that the Los Angeles Dodgers have agreed to a deal with 25-year-old Cuban pitcher Yasiel Sierra. The deal will reportedly stretch across six years and be worth a total of $30-$33 million.
Confirming @JonHeyman‘s report on Cuban RHP Yaisel Sierra and Dodgers. It’s a 6-year deal in the $30-$33 million range.
— Jesse Sanchez (@JesseSanchezMLB) January 12, 2016
Dodgers Nab Cuban Pitcher Yasiel Sierra
Since the embargo between Cuba and the United States has been lifted, it has become a lot less tricky for Cuban ballplayers to find their way into the Major Leagues. The 25-year-old Sierra originally defected from Cuba back in April and obtained Free Agency when he was unblocked by the Office of Foreign Assets Control in December. Being that he was granted free agency, the Dodgers are not limited to the international spending limits and will not incur any additional penalties for signing an additional international free agent.
With the Miami Marlins also in pursuit, the Dodgers revved up their efforts today in order to ensure they would be successful in signing the young Cuban native. Sierra’s fastball consistently sits in the mid-90s, peaking at 96, with steady improvement in his secondary pitches over the last few months that have been praised by scouts. Sierra has been known to have control issues and that will most likely translate into a bullpen role in LA, as opposed to a spot in the starting rotation.
Below is a video of Sierra in action.
Here’s video of reported new @Dodgers RHP Yasiel Sierra pitching in exhibition game in Jupiter this fall @PGWWBA! pic.twitter.com/Lo7lRD1EUy
— Perfect Game USA (@PerfectGameUSA) January 12, 2016
Main Photo Caption: Yasiel Sierra throws a pitch for Cuba at the 2015 World Baseball Classic via Getty Images Sport/Baseball.
