D-backs set record with Lopez deal


Lopez defected from Cuba and established residency in Haiti. He has been working out in the Dominican Republic, according to MLB Network.

A record $8.27 million bonus helped the Arizona Diamondbacks land Cuban right-handed pitching prospect Yoan Lopez.

The deal, first reported by MLB Network, is pending a physical and would surpass the $8 million bonus the Los Angeles Angels gave infielder Roberto Baldoquin just last week.

Lopez, 21, was pursued heavily. The Dodgers, Yankees and Padres made offers to the right-hander, who is likely to be invited to spring training with the Diamondbacks. In December, the Diamondbacks signed Cuban slugger Yasmany Tomas to a $68.5 million contract.
Lopez has three seasons in Cuba’s top pro league and features a 95 mph fastball in workouts for teams in November. MLB confirmed his free agency status before the workout.

Lopez defected from Cuba and established residency in Haiti. He has been working out in the Dominican Republic, according to MLB Network.

He is subject to MLB’s international signing guidelines which afford each team a $700,000 base and a bonus pool based on the team’s record during the previous season that it can spend during the international signing period, which started on July 2.

Signing Lopez would bring a penalty for overspending to the Diamondbacks. The Collective Bargaining Agreement stipulates a 100 percent tax on the pool overage, plus a cap on signings for the next two seasons, are to be enforced when teams top the international spending limit.