LA Dodgers MLB 2015 Trade News, Rumors: Dodgers Sign Cuban Hector Olivera
The Los Angeles Dodgers, the richest team in baseball these days, has made another big splash. They have agreed to terms with 30 year old Cuban prospect Hector Olivera. There are a lot of questions about his defense and even more so on his health but he appears to be an impact bat that will play one of the middle infield positions for the Dodgers. That becomes more relevant next year when Juan Uribe and Howie Kendrick become free agents.
The deal is for six years and is for 62.5 million dollars. That may seem like a lot, but the Dodgers make a ridiculous amount of money from their local TV deal and are investing that money in players. There are significant concerns about the state of his throwing elbow and that led the Dodgers to add a clause to the deal.
"If Hector Olivera needs Tommy John surgery, there will be an extra year and $1 million added to Olivera's contract, according to an industry source. It is currently unclear whether or not he'll need Tommy John surgery, but one source says 'he does have something' wrong within his elbow," Ronald Murray wrote for MLB Trade Rumors.
Jesse Sanchez tweeted earlier today that doctors found a slight tear in Olivera's UCL but that he should be able to play through that injury.
Olivera mostly played second base in Cuba, but at six foot 2 and 220 lbs he would be a very big middle infielder by MLB standards. He probably fits best at third for L.A. In 10 seasons in Cuba he was a career .323 hitter so once he gets use to big league pitching he may be a impact batter. Aaron Gleeman of Hardball talk described Olivera as a above average right hander with good on base skills with significant power.
