Miguel Alfredo

Gonzalez

Gonzalez, who was inked to a three-year, $12 million contract in late August, could open the season in the Phillies starting rotation. The organization isn’t concerned with him facing advanced competition before the spring however, opting instead to have him spend his time in the instructional league in Florida while he learns and adjusts to American professional baseball. He’ll be a highly intriguing boom-or-bust pick in next season’s fantasy drafts.

It was reported a month ago that Gonzalez and the Phillies had agreed to a six-year, $48 million contract, but the deal was never finalized. It’s not clear what the holdup is, but the agreement could wind up being for less than the original figure.

The deal also includes an option for 2017, and Gonzalez can earn more money through performance bonuses. It was reported last month that the Cuban righty and the Phillies had agreed to a six-year, $48 million contract, but the feeling is that medical concerns caused a significant drop in the price. The 26-year-old could compete for a rotation job as soon as next spring.

“Word is Dodgers will go five years, close to $50 million,” a general manager told Gammons. “If so, he’ll be a Dodger.” Gonzalez, a 26-year-old right-hander, left Cuba earlier this year and was declared a free agent by MLB on Monday. He’s expected to be nearly major league-ready but seems unlikely to make an impact this season. The Braves, Cubs, Yankees, Red Sox, Rangers, Phillies, Blue Jays, Twins, and Marlins have also been connected to him.

MLB.com’s Peter Gammons was told by a general manager that the Dodgers were willing to give the Cuban defector a contract in the five-year, $50 million range, which would likely be enough to sign him. Rosenthal evidently believes they might not be willing to go to that length, though. The Braves, Cubs, Yankees, Red Sox, Rangers, Phillies, Blue Jays, Twins, and Marlins have also been connected to Gonzalez.

Gonzalez, a 26-year-old right-hander, left Cuba earlier this year and was declared a free agent by MLB on Monday after getting clearance from the United States government. David O’Brien of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported Thursday that the Braves “like” Gonzalez, though Rojas hears that the Dodgers, Cubs, Yankees, Red Sox, Rangers, Phillies, Blue Jays, Twins, and Marlins are among the interested teams. One report has suggested that Gonzalez could secure a five-year deal in the range of $60 million.

The 26-year-old Cuban defector was cleared by the United States government earlier this week and is free to sign with any major league team. The Dodgers are expected to make a hard run at him and the Red Sox, Cubs and Angels have also been linked. Gonzalez is reportedly seeking a five-year contract worth close to $60 million.

Gonzalez hit 92-93 mph on the gun on his first few fastballs, but then quickly faded to 89-91 mph from there. His control was also problematic, but it’s no surprise he had some rust to shake there after essentially two years off. At least his mid-70s curve looked like a weapon. Most likely, Gonzalez is going to start the year in Triple-A.

Camp just started, so it’s tough to make too big a deal out of velocity issues at this point, but it’s something worth filing away nonetheless. When asked how he thought Gonzalez looked, Phillies manager Ryne Sandberg said, “I’m interested to see him build arm strength.” Gonzalez no longer has a chance at a spot in the rotation following the A.J. Burnett signing.

Gonzalez did some light running in Phillies camp on Monday but left the complex early. He’ll throw one more side session before debuting against the Yankees on Saturday. The Cuban right-hander has underwhelmed so far in bullpen workouts and seems doubtful to crack the Phillies’ Opening Day rotation. He was signed to a three-year, $12 million contract in August.