MLB Free Agents Rumors: Los Angeles Dodgers, Hector Olivera Agree to Six-Year Deal
Hector Olivera has reportedly reached an agreement with the Los Angeles Dodgers after considering offers from several teams.
While the Dodgers have yet to announce the deal, agent Greg Genske confirmed that the Cuban infielder will play for the Dodgers in the upcoming MLB season, ESPN reported.
Olivera reportedly signed a six-year deal worth $62.5 million with the Dodgers and received a $28 million signing bonus. The contract also has a seventh-year option if the Cuban star undergoes Tommy John surgery during the duration of the deal.
The 29-year-old infielder, who will turn 30 before the new season begins, has a small ulnar collateral ligament tear in his right elbow based on a recent MRI. While the injury is not considered serious, there are concerns Olivera might eventually undergo Tommy John surgery.
Earlier this month, Yahoo Sports reported that teams are hesitating to offer a lucrative long-term deal because the Cuban free agent might have a damaged ulnar collateral ligament in his throwing arm. His agent denied such report before recent examinations revealed the small tear.
Olivera, who batted .312 with seven home runs against just 25 strikeouts between 2013 and 2014 in the Cuban league, also drew the attention of the New York Yankees, Atlanta Braves, San Diego Padres and Miami Marlins before eventually agreeing to a deal with the Dodgers.
In Los Angeles, Olivera will play alongside compatriots Yasiel Puig, Alex Guerrero and Erisbel Arruebarrena, who also previously signed lucrative deals with the Dodgers.
Puig signed a seven-year deal worth $42 million in 2013. Alex Guerrero inked a four-year deal worth $28 million, while Erisbel Arruebarrena agreed to a five-year contract worth $25 million before the 2014 MLB season.
Olivera, who also dealt with blot clot in his left biceps when he was playing in Cuba, will compete for playing time in the crowded Dodgers infield that includes shortstop Jimmy Rollins, second baseman Howie Kendrick, third baseman Juan Uribe, and Guerrero, who has also performed well as a shortstop this spring.
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