The Cubs pursued Jorge Soler for months, thinking the Cuban defector could become a core player at Wrigley Field.It finally paid off on Monday, with Soler agreeing to a major-league deal with the Cubs, a source familiar with the negotiations confirmed.The New York Post first reported the decision. CBSSports.com reported the contract is valued nine years and 30 million.Soler, a 20-year-old outfielder, cashed in before the July 2 deadline, when the new collective bargaining agreement caps how much teams can spend on the international market. Soler will need time to develop in the minor leagues, but the Cubs view him as another piece to potentially build around Starlin Castro, Anthony Rizzo, Brett Jackson, Javier Baez and Albert Almora.
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