Dodgers officially sign Cuban infielder Alexander Guerrero
By Corey Leahy
The Los Angeles Dodgers announced on Tuesday that they have officially signed Cuban infield Alexander Guerrero to a four year deal. The deal is worth approximately $28 million, and according to ESPN, he will be “the every-day second baseman.”
Per ESPN,
"Guerrero, 26, can play shortstop and second base and was a two-time All-Star in Cuba’s Serie Nacional, the top league on the island. He defected earlier this year, established residency in Haiti and was training in the Dominican Republic, where he tried out at the Dodgers’ Dominican complex.Bonuses could increase the value of Guerrero’s contract. The deal calls for a $10 million signing bonus payable upon approval of the contract by Major League Baseball. Guerrero would earn $4 million in both 2014 and 2015, and $5 million in both 2016 and 2017. There is $1 million per year in performance bonuses, based on 500-600 plate appearances.He also will be eligible for free agency after his age-30 season and he cannot be optioned to the minor leagues without his permission. The Dodgers agreed to similar terms with another international Boras client, Hyun-Jin Ryu."
Guerrero was, in fact, deemed a free agent back in July, however, was only “unblocked” by the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control on Friday, according to ESPN. He will be another versatile player for the Dodgers as they look to make it farther this season than they did in 2013, when they lost to the St. Louis Cardinals in the NLCS.