The Los Angeles Dodgers have agreed to sign Cuban infielder Hector Olivera to a six-year deal worth $62.5 million, according to Jesse Sanchez of MLB.com. The agreement includes a $28 million signing bonus.
The Dodgers beat out the New York Yankees, Atlanta Braves, Miami Marlins, San Francisco Giants and especially the San Diego Padres. The Dodgers were just willing to offer Olivera the most money because of the large amount in their pockets.
The Dodgers will expect Olivera to work on shifting over to third base. He has played there in the past, but just has not put in as much work. He will be able to help at the major-league level sooner than later and could knock off Juan Uribe as the starting third baseman. He could also take Howie Kendrick's spot much later in the season. Both Uribe and Kendrick are free agents after the season, so this was a good long-term signing by the Dodgers.
Many scouts that watched Olivera in showcases and private workouts believe that the 30-year-old can hit around 20 home runs and 80 RBI's in his rookie season. However, those numbers will increase with MLB experience.
Many reporters are claiming that Olivera has a damaged ulnar collateral ligament in his throwing arm, but his agent refuted that report and says things are just fine. Olivera also overcame a blood issue that forced him to sit in Cuba's Serie Nacional. However, all that is behind the right-handed hitter.
The Dodgers love the fact that Olivera has multiple tools and has tons of experience. He should be able to help a big-league club right away.