5 largest contracts handed out to Cuban players
The Arizona Diamondbacks became the most recent team in the major leagues to spend big on the latest talent out of Cuba, after agreeing to a six-year, $68.5-million deal with Yasmany Tomas.
While the courtship of Jose Contreras by the Boston Red Sox and New York Yankees in 2002 paved the way, it was arguably Aroldis Chapman and his success that really opened the door for a wave of Cuban talent that has graced the majors in recent years.
However, Chapman's six-year, $30.24-million deal in 2010 pales in comparison to what teams have spent on the most recent crop. Here are the top five largest contracts handed out to Cuban-born players.
5. Yoenis Cespedes, Oakland Athletics - 4 years, $36 million
- Other interested teams: Miami Marlins
Oakland made Yoenis Cespedes the highest paid player on its roster in 2012 after they signed the 26-year-old to a four-year, $36-million deal. The Marlins also offered the outfielder $36 million, but their offer was spread out over six years.
Cespedes' power in Cuba carried over to the major leagues, as he's launched at least 22 home runs in each of his first three seasons. In 416 big league games, Cespedes is slashing .263/.316/.464 with 71 home runs and 262 RBIs.
4. Yasiel Puig, Los Angeles Dodgers - 7 years, $42 million
- Other interested teams: Chicago Cubs, Chicago White Sox
Despite having not played competitive baseball in almost a year, the Dodgers took a risk and signed Yasiel Puig to a seven-year, $42-million deal in 2012 that included a $12 million signing bonus.
"I don't know," one international director told Baseball America. "I don't know what's going on in Dodger land. They must have seen something."
Puig has certainly provided his fair share of memorable moments in his two seasons in Chavez Ravine, as the enigmatic slugger has given manager Don Mattingly a few reasons to scratch his head. However, when in control, Puig is one of the most entertaining players in the majors. In 252 games, the soon-to-be 24-year-old is hitting .305/.386/.502 with 35 home runs and 111 RBIs.
3. Jose Abreu, Chicago White Sox - 6 years, $68 million
- Other interested teams: Boston Red Sox, Texas Rangers, Houston Astros
Following the success of both Cespedes and Puig, Jose Abreu landed the richest deal in White Sox history when he inked a six-year, $68-million contract in 2013.
A number of scouts had their concerns with Abreu's ability to hit major league pitching and the 27-year-old responded by winning the American League Rookie of the Year. After belting 29 of his 36 home runs prior to the All-Star break, Abreu became more of a complete hitter in the second half, slashing .350/.435/.513 in his final 63 games.
2. Yasmany Tomas, Arizona Diamondbacks - 6 years, $68.5 million
- Other interested teams: Atlanta Braves, San Diego Padres, San Francisco Giants
The Diamondbacks were the surprising winners of the Tomas sweepstakes, as a number of teams submitted offers to the 24-year-old.
Initially said to be seeking a minimum five-year, $75-million deal, the power-hitting outfielder settled for six years and $68.5 million to play in the desert. Tomas projects to be a cross between Jose Abreu and Yoenis Cespedes.
1. Rusney Castillo, Boston Red Sox - 7 years, $72.5 million
- Other interested teams: Detroit Tigers
After missing out on Abreu, the Red Sox opened up their wallet for Rusney Castillo and made sure they weren't outbid. The result, a seven-year, $72.5-million deal that set the record for an amateur international player.
Signed in August of last season, the 27-year-old didn't have much time to adjust before making his major league debut on Sept 17. In just 10 games, Castillo slashed .333/.400/. 528 with a pair of home runs and three stolen bases.