Erisbel

Arruebarrena

The Mets and Yankees are among the clubs sending scouts. Arruebarruena, a 23-year-old shortstop, played six years in Cuba’s Serie Nacional before defecting to the Dominican Republic in November. He’s known mostly for his defense and will likely need some time in the minor leagues, but bids should pour in for him.

Dodgers president Stan Kasten recently hinted that another player would soon be joining the team in camp, so Arruebarruena would appear to fit the bill. The 23-year-old played six years in Cuba’s Serie Nacional before defecting to the Dominican Republic in November. He’s known as an excellent defender, but there are questions about his bat. The Dodgers could have him spend some time in the minors initially.

No word yet on the terms involved and the report has yet to be confirmed by the team. Arruebarruena, 23, is known more for his glove than his contributions with the bat. Because he played six years in Cuba’s top professional league, he will not count toward the team’s international spending cap. The Dodgers already signed Cuban infielder Alex Guerrero to a four-year, $28 million deal back in October.

The 23-year-old shortstop is expected to begin the season at Triple-A, but could eventually push Hanley Ramirez over to third base. Known better for his defensive chops than for his bat, it’s unclear how his bat will play at the major league level.

Arruebarruena, who established residency in Haiti, was also cleared by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) to enter into a contract with an MLB club. The 23-year-old is currently working out in the Dominican Republic while waiting for a work visa and should soon finalize what is expected to be a five- or six-year deal with the Dodgers worth $25 million.

There had been reports that it was either a five- or six-year deal. Arruebarruena is expected to receive in the vicinity of $25 million in the pact. Known for his plus defense, Arruebarruena will almost surely begin the season in the minors. The 23-year-old’s ability with the bat is viewed as a question mark.

That figure includes a $7.5 million signing bonus. While the defensive-minded shortstop is expected to begin the season in the minors, the move could mean an eventual transition of Hanley Ramirez to third base.

This is the same thing the Dodgers tried to do last May, but a grievance was filed and the suspension was reduced to 30 days. It might be best if these two parties simply go their separate ways, though the Dodgers still owe Arruebarrena around $17.5 million. The 26-year-old infielder was signed out of Cuba in 2013 and has been a major disappointment both off and on the field. He was slashing .182/.224/.400 with four home runs and 21 strikeouts in 17 games this season at Double-A Tulsa.

The 23-year-old Arruebarruena is a six-year veteran of Cuba’s Serie Nacional. He is touted as a defensive wizard. Badler quotes one international scouting director as saying, “He’s a premium defender at a premium position with questions on the bat.” Arruebarruena will need to establish residency in the U.S. and be cleared by the Office of Foreign Assets Control before he can sign with a team.

Dodgers president of baseball operations Andrew Friedman confirmed that Arruebarrena has been suspended, but he declined to answer questions about specifics. However, it’s believed to be disciplinary in nature. Arruebarrena, who originally signed a $25 million contract with the Dodgers, was outrighted off the 40-man roster in January and has yet to play a game at any level this season.