Earlier in the offseason it was reported there were a number of teams ready to spend over $70 million for Cuban infielder Hector Olivera. However, he has yet to receive full clearance from the MLB and U.S. government, and now a report suggested he may have a serious injury.
The Los Angeles Dodgers were one of those teams believed to be pursuing Olivera based on a couple reports that suggested the team had "strong interest" in him despite their currently occupied infield as well as the various prospects that should follow after 2015. This now may change.
"Serious concern exists that Cuban infielder Hector Olivera has a damaged ulnar collateral ligament in his throwing arm, potentially hindering the market for a free agent who many expected to contribute in the major leagues this season," according to Jeff Passan of Yahoo! Sports.
"He is believed to have at least one contract offer for more than $50 million, though the prospect of Olivera potentially needing Tommy John surgery in his right elbow could change that. If Olivera undergoes the procedure, the recovery time for a position player is typically six to nine months."
But Olivera's representation has denied Passan's report, according to Ben Badler of Baseball America, and were "surprised to hear" it and are "unaware" of such a health issue, says Jesse Sanchez of MLB.com. Additionally, Badler notes Olivera has taken four physicals and passed them all on top going through offseason workouts with no pain. Sanchez said the 29-year-old held a private workout for an MLB team last week.
Passan also mentioned Olivera underwent recent physicals and showcases, and "no signs of potential arm trouble surfaced."
The Dodgers were also one of the teams involved in the sweepstakes for Cuban prospect Yoan Moncada, who eventually signed with the Boston Red Sox for $31.5 million, so it's possible they put out the offer for Olivera.
But as of right now, any potential offers will probably be put on hold until there is a guarantee the Cuban infielder doesn't have a partially torn UCL.
