Blue Jays sign Cuban right-hander
The busy Monday continues for the Toronto Blue Jays.
Following the signings of Anthony Santander and Christopher Polanco, the team has come to terms with Cuban right handed pitcher Alexander Valiente, their second international signing of the day.
MLB Reporter Francys Romero was the first to report the news.
The deal comes with a $75K bonus as well as $50K scholarship, per Romero's X account.
Like most Cubans, Valiente, 22, is a good 5-6 years older than most IFA's. Still, he comes with a lot of upside and could be in the big leagues within a couple of years.
Valiente has a fastball that tops out at 96mph, and some developmental work could add a couple of miles to that. He was a member of the U23 Cuban National team in 2022.
While not an immediate answer to the big leaguer rotation, Valiente gets added to the next generation of talented pitchers, just behind the likes of Ricky Tiedemann and Brandon Barriera, both of whom are currently injured and recovering from Tommy John surgery. If the Blue Jays can get a handle on their minor league development, Valiente could see time by 2027.
Valiente is one of several IFA's that the Jays have either signed or been connected to. His career will be an interesting one to follow.
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