After years of contemplation, Cuban outfielder Alexei Bell finally defected earlier this year from the country in pursuit of playing for a MLB club.
Bell, now 32 years old, boarded a plane and departed to Mexico in January. On Monday, he hosted a showcase for major league scouts and front office members to attend in Mexicali.
A total of 13 teams attended Bell's showcase Monday, a source told Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal.
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Of the 13 teams, both the San Francisco Giants and Oakland A's showed up to see Bell, according to Rosenthal's source. Also in attendance, were the D'backs, Dodgers, Phillies, Royals, Blue Jays, Yankees, Marlins, Cardinals, Red Sox, Padres and Reds.
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At 32 years old, teams may feel the 5-foot-7 outfielder is beyond his prime. In the 2008 Beijing Olympics, Bell's skills were put on full display.
Playing for the Cuban National Team, Bell hit .500 in nine games while leading his country to a silver medal. He also hit a double and triple off Rangers ace Yu Darvish during the '08 Games.
San Francisco Giants
But, that was then and this is now.
In 14 seasons playing in Cuba's professional league, Bell slashed .319/.417/.547 with 138 home runs. He also posted nearly as many walks (431) as strikeouts (439).
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Bell spent the 2015 season playing with the Capitales of Quebec in the Canadian-American Association. Making the transition to a different country and league, Bell hit .317/.363/.424 in 59 games played.
Teams will not be subject to international bonus pool limits when trying to sign Bell, due to his age and having more than five professional seasons under his belt.
Position players for the Giants report to spring training on Feb. 22. The A's position players report on Feb. 25.