Cubs Sign Cuban Outfielder Jorge Soler

[key2win]

AP source: Cubs agree with Cuban OF Jorge Soler - Yahoo! Sports

CHICAGO (AP) A person familiar with the deal say the Chicago Cubs have reached an agreement with Cuban free agent outfielder Jorge Soler.

The person spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because nothing was officially announced Monday.

The 20-year-old Soler was sought after by several teams and is considered a five-tool player who will require some minor league seasoning.

The Cubs declined comment. Numerous media reports said the deal was for nine years and worth $30 million.

Earlier this year the Cubs signed Cuban left-hander Geraldo Concepcion. The Oakland A's made a big splash by signing another Cuban outfielder, Yoenis Cespedes, to a four-year, $36 million contract in February. The Cubs had also shown interest in Cespedes.

[gladdyontherise]

Win-win for Soler, if he's good, he can opt out and go through the arbitration process, and if he stinks, well, he's getting $30 million anyhow.

[leiber88]

Why did the Cubs give the opt out each year - you'd think they would know better given all that guarantee money they put out there?

[key2win]

Cubs sign Cuban OF Soler to 9-year, $30M deal - Yahoo! Sports

CHICAGO (AP) Jorge Soler has officially joined the Chicago Cubs, signing a nine-year, $30 million deal that could make the 20-year-old Cuban outfielder a major piece of the team's future as it rebuilds under team president Theo Epstein.

''We think he provides a ton of potential power for us,'' general manager Jed Hoyer said Saturday in announcing the deal. ''We scouted him heavily. It's obviously a significant commitment for us but we feel like he fits in very well with what we're trying to do. He's the right age, the right talent and we're excited to finally get him started here.''

The 6-foot-3, 205-pound Soler will start out in right field and will initially report to the team's minor league facility in Mesa, Ariz., to work out and get ready for games. Hoyer couldn't project how long it might take Soler to be ready for the majors.