Though visa issues delayed Roberto Baldoquin from signing with the Los Angeles Angels, the Cuban prospect finalized his deal with the club on Saturday after passing a physical, according to MLB.com's Jesse Sanchez.
Baldoquin's deal is reportedly worth around $8 million, though the contract far exceeds the Angels' budgetary allotment for international amateurs and will result in some hefty consequences for the club. Not only will the Angels be forced to pay a tax that will increase the overall cost to about $15 million, but the club will also be banned from signing any international amateurs for more than $300,000 for a two-year span, beginning July 2.
Baldoquin, a 20-year-old infielder, has evoked mixed reviews from scouts, spending the last three seasons with Las Tunas in Cuba's Serie Nacional. The young defector is expected to begin his stateside career at shortstop, according to Ben Badler of Baseball America, who adds that Baldoquin "isn't considered a premium hitter."