Report: Dodgers expected to finalize $16M deal Thursday with Cuban pitcher Yadier Alvarez

The Los Angeles Dodgers will reportedly finalize a deal with one of Cuba's most promising young pitchers Thursday when the new signing period for international prospects begins.

Yadier Alvarez, a 19-year-old right-hander whose fastball can touch 99 miles per hour, is expected to complete a $16-million deal with Los Angeles, according to Jeff Passan of Yahoo Sports.

Alvarez's reported bonus, however, exceeds the Dodgers' allotted $2,020,300 bonus pool for the new signing period by more than 15 percent, meaning the club will be forced to pay a 100 percent tax on the overage and will be constrained in the bonuses they can offer international prospects for the next two signing periods.

Earlier this season, incidentally, Alvarez asked for permission from Major League Baseball to sign before July 2, the first day of the 2015-16 signing period, but his appeal was denied.

Alvarez, who stands 6-foo-t-3 and complements his fastball with a plus slider and an above-average changeup, projects to be a No. 2 starter, at least, at baseball's highest level.