First off, I want to say I know I’m close to a week late reporting this news, but hey its summer time and you have to live “ya’ know?” The Cincinnati Reds signed Cuban right-handed pitcher Raisel Iglesias to a seven-year $27 million deal. Not bad for a person who has yet to pitch in a major league game.
The Reds have had great success with Cuban pitchers as of late, points to Aroldis Chapman as our proof this can work for the betterment of the Reds organization.
This deal is very money friendly for the Reds if Iglesias can be a solid player as they have him locked in for seven years at less than $4 million a year. Reports say that Iglesias is 24 years of age, but we know some defectors fudge that number so hopefully he’s between 24-27 years of age don’t throw tomatoes at me we know we’ve crossed this bridge before (lol). The Reds won’t have to worry about any contract problems until the prospect is 31 years old.
The Reds feel Iglesias will be a quality starting pitcher who possesses a 96 mph fastball, a slider, curveball and changeup. He is a converted shortstop, who mainly pitched relief for his Isla de la Juventud club in Cuba for three years; he was 8-12 with a 3.47 in 88 games while only starting 5.
I just hope we don’t coddle him like with did Aroldis and give him a shot at being a dominate starter for years to come. If this move pans out it can give the Reds a lot flexibility with Johnny Cueto, Mike Leake and Mat Latos deals coming due within the next year or two respectively.
Welcome to Cincinnati Raisel.
