When the 2015-2016 international signing period opened last July, the Los Angeles Dodgers immediately exceeded their bonus pool. In going well beyond their signing bonus pool, Los Angeles paid a 100-percent tax for every dollar spent above their allotted pool.
What’s more, the Dodgers are not able to sign pool-eligible international players for more than $300,000 in either of the next two signing period, beginning July 2. However, the caveat to that is the Dodgers can continue to open their checkbook for players who are subject to international spending limitations.
One player who fits that description is Cuban outfielder Yulieski Gurriel. The 32 year old was officially declared a free agent on July 13, and is free to sign with any Major League club.
Gurriel is widely considered the top international talent available. According to J.P. Hoornstra of the Southern California News Group, the Cuban native worked out for the Dodgers on Tuesday:
The Dodgers held a private workout for free agent Cuban infielder Yulieski Gurriel today, according to a source, and Gurriel posted a photo of himself at Dodger Stadium on his Instagram account. The 32-year-old infielder also has a workout lined up with the New York Mets and at least one other team, according to the source.
Prior to posting a photo of himself standing outside a Dodger Stadium entrance, Gurriel shared a photo with the caption that mentioned a secret trip to Los Angeles. In parts of 15 seasons in Cuba and Japan, Gurriel hit .335/.417/.580 with 308 doubles, 250 home runs and 1,018 RBIs.
Gurriel’s time in Japan spanned 62 games in 2014, where he hit .305/.349/.536 with 22 doubles, 11 home runs and 30 RBIs. He’s spent the majority of his career playing third base and has minimal experience at second base.
The Dodgers’ list of Cuban signings in recent years includes Yadier Alvarez, Yusniel Diaz, Alex Guerrero, Hector Olivera, Yasiel Puig and Yaisel Sierra, among others. Of course, Guerrero and Olivera are no longer part of the organization.
Most recently, the Dodgers signed Cuban outfielder Yordan Alvarez prior to the 2015-2016 international signing period coming to a close.
