Report: D-backs sign Cuban pitcher Yoan Lopez to $8.25 million deal
Cuban pitcher Yoan Lopez and the Arizona Diamondbacks have agreed to an $8.25 million deal, reports MLB.com’s Jesse Sanchez.
Lopez, 21, had significant offers from other clubs, such as the New York Yankees, San Diego Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers, but ultimately decided to sign with Arizona, according to Sanchez.
Lopez defected from Cuba last year and posted a 3.12 ERA during seven starts in the Cuban National Series. Sanchez reported that Lopez was cleared by the Office of Foreign Assets Control, which allowed him to negotiate salaries with Major League Baseball teams.
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Lopez’s fastball has been clocked to upwards of 95 mph, the report notes. He also throws a cut fastball, along with a curve and slider.
Arizona had MLB's worst record last season and the team's pitching staff ranked near the bottom of the league in ERA, opponents batting average, quality starts and complete games.
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