Olivera, Dodgers Agree To $62.5M, 6-Year Contract
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The Los Angeles Dodgers have added another player from Cuba, agreeing to a $62.5 million, six-year contract with infielder Hector Olivera, agent Greg Genske said Tuesday.
The agreement includes a $28 million signing bonus, Genske said.
Olivera, said to be 29, was on the Cuban team that won the silver medal at the 2008 Olympics. He also played for his country at the 2009 World Baseball Classic, where he hit .313 and played second base.
He will have some company as he joins an organization that already has a strong Cuban presence with All-Star outfielder Yasiel Puig, infielder Alex Guerrero and shortstop Erisbel Arruebarrena, who was recently optioned to the Dodgers' minor league camp.
Olivera's deal will cause a $4,173,333 increase in this year's luxury tax for the Dodgers, who pay at a 40 percent rate at the payroll amount over $189 million.
There's not a lot of information about Olivera. He possesses a quick swing and a good hitting approach, according to Baseball America's website. The website said Olivera missed the entire 2012-13 season in Cuba because of a blood disorder.
The Dodgers have Jimmy Rollins penciled in to start at shortstop and Howie Kendrick at second base. Guerrero is attempting to make the team as a utility infielder.
(Copyright 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
