The Los Angeles Dodgers hope to keep spending on the international market even after signing Cuban infielder Hector Olivera to a $62.5 million deal. Their next target is the top pitching prospect in Cuba.
Los Angeles made a run at Cuban starter Yoan Lopez earlier in the offseason, but the right-hander ended up signing with the Arizona Diamondbacks for $8.25 million. Rumors suggest they now hope to land 19-year-old Yadier Alvarez, who is a prize right-hander that has received offers from the Dodgers and a number of other clubs (it's been said the Diamondbacks, Rockies, Nationals, Blue Jays, Rangers, Padres, Athletics, Cardinals, Twins and Brewers are also interested).
But it appears the Dodgers are leading the pack.
"The Dodgers are said to have been the most aggressive team to date in trying to land top Cuban teenaged pitcher Yadier Alvarez," writes Jon Heyman of CBS Sports. " ... Early word is that LA, a big player internationally, is the favorite."
However, it's unknown when the Alvarez will be able to sign. The right-hander - regarded as the "pitching version" of former top Cuban prospect Yoan Moncada, who signed with the Boston Red Sox late in the offseason for $31.5 million - petitioned Major League Baseball to sign a deal before the next international signing period begins on July 2, but he hasn't been given clearance yet.
"I've heard from multiple international scouts that believe the Dodgers already have a deal with Alvarez for $16 million (which would cost the Dodgers $32 million total, due to the dollar-for-dollar tax by MLB on 23 and under international prospects), but his reps deny a deal is done," writes Kiley McDaniel of FanGraphs. "Alvarez can't sign right now anyway and, while a deal may not be done, everyone I've talked to thinks Alvarez will end up with the Dodgers (though a number of other teams are interested), and the price is about where scouts thought it would end up, so this makes a lot of sense."
Teams are clearly preparing themselves to pounce on the opportunity to sign the youngster, especially since he has impressed international scouts over the past few months.
"Alvarez has a fastball that touches 98 mph with plus-slider and an above-average changeup. He threw in front of 70 local scouts in the Dominican Republic earlier this month and starred in a large showcase with [Hector] Olivera last week, prompting one high-ranking National League official to say Alvarez was the best 18-year-old pitcher he had ever seen," Jesse Sanchez of MLB.com wrote back in February.
"International scouts also believe Alvarez has the potential to be at least a No. 2 pitcher because of his stuff and ceiling."
The Dodgers are said to be best-positioned to land Alvarez once he's eligible to sign, so we'll be keeping up with the latest developments.
