Apparently prospect Yoan Moncada isn't the only Cuban player the Los Angeles Dodgers are interested in. They have another infielder on their radar and are said to be the frontrunners for him as well.
29-year-old Hector Olivera is that player. The veteran's journey to land an MLB contract has been overshadowed by that of Moncada's because the 19-year-old is regarded as Cuba's top prospect. However, Olivera was one of the top players in Cuba for years (before injuries and a blood disorder affected his ability to play over the past two seasons) and he's now said to be in the best shape of his life. He's played second base for most of his career but scouts view him as a third baseman.
FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal and Jon Morosi reported on Monday that the Dodgers have "strong interest" in Olivera even though the Cuban has yet to be cleared to sign a contract with an MLB club. Additionally, Peter Bjarkman, who is a well-known author and expert on Cuban baseball, believes the Dodgers are the frontrunners for Olivera and thinks the two sides will soon agree to a deal.
But there remains a conundrum.
The Dodgers previously signed Cuban infielders Alex Guerrero ($28 million) and Erisbel Arruebarrena ($25 million) in recent seasons and it has been reported they're also the favorites to land Moncada, who is going to cost up to $100 million. According to Jesse Sanchez of MLB.com, Olivera is seeking a five-to-six year deal comparable to the money awarded to Yasmany Tomas (six years, $68.5 million) of the Arizona Diamondbacks earlier this season as well as Rusney Castillo (seven years, $72.5 million) of the Boston Red Sox last August.
Sanchez also confirmed the Dodgers' interest in Olivera, along with the New York Yankees, Atlanta Braves, Miami Marlins and San Diego Padres. But how much more money is Los Angeles looking to invest in Cuban infielders, especially with infield prospects Corey Seager and Darnell Sweeney excelling in their farm system?
Nonetheless, the Dodgers do have to prepare for the future of their infield because third baseman Juan Uribe, shortstop Jimmy Rollins and second baseman Howie Kendrick will all be free agents after the 2015 season and it's unlikely the team re-signs them.
Could the Dodgers infield potentially consist of Olivera, Moncada and Guerrero/Arruebarrena in the seasons following 2015?
