Reds sign Cuban pitcher Raciel Iglesias to 7-year deal

The Cuban pitcher named Raciel, Raicel or Raisel Iglesias, depending on the source you care to use, has reportedly signed a 7-year contract to throw baseballs for the Cincinnati Reds.

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The 24-year-old Iglesias, who defected from Cuba in November, had a show case for major league clubs last month in Haiti. He was a member of the Cuban team at the 2013 World Baseball Classic.

Iglesias still has some visa issues to work out according to the Reds, but once all that is squared away, he will report to the team.

Baseball America’s Ben Badler said of Iglesias:

"At 5-foot-11, 165 pounds, Iglesias was primarily used as a reliever in Cuba. A major league team would likely use him in the same role, although he could start his career being developed as a starter. He would likely start his career in the minors, and given his age (24) and current talent level, Double-A would seem like a possible assignment."

Iglesias was granted an exemption to sign during the closed period head of MLB’s rule changes for Cuban players. On July 2, a new rule goes into effect saying international players must have five years of professional experience before being exempted from international bonus pools, up from the original three years.

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