Jays sign Cuban SS prospect Adeiny Hechavarria for 4 yr, 10M deal

[Halladay_is_God]

TSN

TORONTO -- The Toronto Blue Jays finalized a US$10-million, four-year contract with Adeiny Hechavarria on Tuesday, hopeful the Cuban will develop into their shortstop of the future.

A deal was reached last month but visa issues delayed the announcement.

Hechavarria turns 21 on April 15 and has been described by some scouts as having a similar build to Alfonso Soriano.

One talent evaluator who first watched Hechavarria play during 2007 world junior baseball championship in Edmonton saw potential in Hechavarria's bat and glove, but described him as raw.

Hechavarria is expected to attend extended spring camp in Dunedin, Fla., before being assigned.

The five-foot-11, 178-pound right-handed hitter spent last season in the Cuban league, batting .262 average with six doubles, two triples and one home run.

In 327 1-3 defensive innings, he made five errors in 217 chances for a .977 fielding percentage

if it works out, i'm happy with the signing

[missionhockey21]

Hechavarria turns 21 on April 15 and has been described by some scouts as having a similar build to Alfonso Soriano.

So he's "21" but really more like 25, for realzies.

Seriously though, I've heard good things. I don't know if the cash is right, but the gamble is worth it, especially for a team like the Jays in a division like the AL East.

[DirtyKash]

I'm guessing we're not going to see him this year, but maybe next year? Alex Gonzalez is more than holding his own so far.

Also, I'm totally butchering this kid's name every time I say it.

[Halladay_is_God]

I think he's going to start in AA, if not maybe A

it could be 2 years maybe 3 before he has a chance at making the Jays

[DirtyKash]

Well then it's good that he has a 4-year contract. Haha. They might get 1 major league year out of him?