Erisbel Arruebarrena is being heralded as the Los Angeles Dodgers’ “shortstop of the future”…
The 23-year-old Cuban professional baseball star has signed a five-year-contract with the Dodgers.
The deal will pay Arruebarrena $25 million, according to an ESPN source, which includes a reported $7.5 million signing bonus.
Arruebarrena remains in the Dominican Republic, trying to secure a visa to travel to Arizona to join the team’s spring training camp, and likely will begin the season in the minor leagues, but the Dodgers believe he’s full capable of being their shortstop of the future.
“We think he adds to our major-league club at some point this year, someone who can play shortstop at a high level,” Dodgers general manager Ned Colletti said.
The Dodgers have begun discussions with shortstop Hanley Ramirez on a long-term contract extension, but Colletti said Ramirez is open to moving positions, likely to third base. Ramirez is a free agent at the end of the upcoming season.
The Dodgers hope Arruebarrena can improve his hitting with some time in the minor leagues. He batted .276 with 67 doubles, 27 home runs and 171 RBIs in 437 career games in the Cuban Serie Nacional. He was teammates with Dodgers right fielder Yasiel Puig.
“He brings another superb glove to our organization,” said the Dodgers’ top international scout, Bob Engle.
