The Los Angeles Dodgers announced the completion of their long-reported deal with Cuban right-hander Yaisel Sierra on Sunday, after visa issues that delayed the pitcher's arrival were finally resolved.
Sierra's contract - which was not subject to MLB's international signing rules because of his age and experience - is reported to be worth $30 million over six years. The 24-year-old pitcher left Cuba last April and agreed to terms of the deal in January after being officially declared a free agent.
Sierra, who's been used as both a starter and reliever in Cuba, is expected to pitch out of the bullpen for the Dodgers next season due to their surplus of starting pitching. Listed at 6-foot-1, 168 pounds, Sierra boasts a fastball in the mid 90s, and has drawn comparisons in the past to fellow countryman and Cincinnati right-hander Raisel Iglesias.
(Courtesy: MLB.com)
Sierra hasn't pitched since 2014, when he struggled to a 6.10 ERA and 4.5 BB/9 for Sabuesos de Holguin of Cuba's Serie Nacional. Over five seasons in the league, Sierra's compiled a 4.23 ERA with 6.6 strikeouts per nine innings.
