Cuban right-hander Yasiel Sierra was watched by 350 scouts in Florida on Thursday.
The pitcher showcased his talents to the MLB world and could be the next Cuban defector to be signed by a major league team. He can’t be signed yet but could be cleared to do so soon.
Sierra pitched professionally for five seasons in Cuba, compiling a 3.74 ERA, 1.45 WHIP and 166/135 K/BB ratio over 238 innings. He’s pitched out of the bullpen for most of his young career until this past season when he started 18 of his 25 appearances.
Scouts believe that the 24-year-old will receive around a $27-million offer, which is around what Raisel Iglesias received from the Cincinnati Reds. There’s no telling which teams would take a chance on Sierra although Cuban professional players are getting more of a chance than ever to come over to the U.S. and have quite the pay-day.