The Phillies may be losing on the field currently, but they did win something last night. The Phillies won the competition to sign Cuban right-hander Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez. Gonzalez is a big international signing for the club and could pay dividends in the future, as other Cuban defectors like Aroldis Chapman, Yoenis Cespedes and Yasiel Puig have for their respective clubs.
The contract is reported to be a six-year deal for $48 million, with an $11 million option for 2019. While this is a lot of money, Gonzalez should be near major league ready, and could see playing time with the big club as early as this season.
This is somewhat unchartered territory for the Phillies, as they have rarely dipped into the international market when it comes to the bigger name players. Prior to this signing the clubs largest international signing was South Korean pitcher Seung Lee for $1.2 million, and yes you don't recognize that name because, surprise, surprise, he never made it to the majors.
Phillies front office personnel will be hoping that this signing can help with a rapid rebuild of the club, rather than taking a few years to try and recover. The 6-foot-3 Gonzalez boasts a fastball in the mid-90's, as well as a changeup and curveball. At 26, Gonzalez is at a ripe age to possibly make an impact on the Phillies in the near future, so let's hope for the best.
By: Kyle Babcock
Follow us on Twitter: @BroadStBeat
This is somewhat unchartered territory for the Phillies, as they have rarely dipped into the international market when it comes to the bigger name players. Prior to this signing the clubs largest international signing was South Korean pitcher Seung Lee for $1.2 million, and yes you don't recognize that name because, surprise, surprise, he never made it to the majors.
Phillies front office personnel will be hoping that this signing can help with a rapid rebuild of the club, rather than taking a few years to try and recover. The 6-foot-3 Gonzalez boasts a fastball in the mid-90's, as well as a changeup and curveball. At 26, Gonzalez is at a ripe age to possibly make an impact on the Phillies in the near future, so let's hope for the best.
By: Kyle Babcock
Follow us on Twitter: @BroadStBeat
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