Report: Dodgers agree to 6-year, $62.5M deal with Hector Olivera

The Los Angeles Dodgers are taking a chance on another Cuban. 

Having already inked Yasiel Puig, Erisbel Arruebarrena and Alex Guerrero​ in the last three years, the Dodgers reportedly agreed to a six-year, $62.5-million deal with infielder Hector Olivera, according to multiple reports. The agreement includes a $28-million signing bonus and is pending a physical.

The 29-year-old was initially expected to land a deal in the range of five-to-six years and upward of $50 million, with the Dodgers flexing their deep pockets to land the high-profile bat. The Atlanta Braves were said to be in the mix for but were not willing to offer him a six-year deal. 

There are, however, concerns regarding the health of Olivera's right elbow, and MLB.com's Jesse Sanchez reported Tuesday evening that a recent MRI revealed a slight tear in his ulnar collateral ligament. According to Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports, though, Olivera's contract includes a clause that guarantees the Dodgers a team option for a seventh season at $1 million should Olivera require Tommy John surgery.

Olivera, who projects as a third baseman but can play first and second as well, gives the Dodgers some future infield stability with the contracts of veterans Jimmy Rollins, Juan Uribe and Howie Kendrick expiring at the conclusion of the season.

Where he fits in the 2015 roster remains in question.

It's unlikely Olivera unseats any of the incumbents, and the backup infielder role is likely occupied by Guerrero, who owns a clause in his contract that prevents the Dodgers from sending him to the minor leagues.

Olivera hit .316/.412/.474 over 273 plate appearances in his final season in Cuba's Serie Nacional.

It's been an extremely profitable offseason for Cuban free agents. Yasmany Tomas signed a six-year, $68.5-million deal with the Arizona Diamondbacks and Yoan Moncada agreed to a $31.5-million signing bonus with the Boston Red Sox.