Cuban infielder Hector Olivera is reportedly seeking a six-year contract from whatever MLB team decides to pounce, but so far he's received offers of four and five years per CBS Sports.
One team involved is the Atlanta Braves, who are believed to have offered Olivera a four year deal worth $40 million. A source familiar with the negotiations said that the Braves are "behind the pack."
From the beginning, the Los Angeles Dodgers have been considered the frontrunners. They already count Cuban star Yasiel Puig as a member of their roster, and were heavily involved in the chase for teenage prospect Yoan Moncada, who eventually settled on the Boston Red Sox.
Olivera isn't the talent that Moncada is, but he has 10 years of professional experience in Cuba already and comes to the United States ready to plug into a big league lineup. Olivera put forth an impressive workout for MLB scouts, and also convinced many observers that he can handle both second and third base defensively at the MLB level.
Olivera is not a perfect prospect though. There are concerns about a possible injury to the UCL in his throwing elbow, an issue that typically requires Tommy John surgery. Olivera is said to have shown a strong arm during his workouts, but that may not have allayed some teams' fears.
One source connected to a team interested in signing Olivera remains wary of the Dodgers because of their bottomless pit of funds. "Look, if the Dodgers want him, they can get him," the source said.
The Dodgers currently have 35-year-old Juan Uribe penciled in at the hot corner.
[CBS]
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