RADIO
Cuban defector Hector Olivera has obtained a visa and will travel to the U.S. later this week, according to the Orange County Register.
The 30-year-old infielder signed a six-year $62.5 million contract, which included a $28 million signing bonus with the Los Angeles Dodgers in March. From there, it took Olivera another six weeks to secure a proper work visa before he could officially defect, according to the report.
L.A. has done this before when it signed Yasiel Puig, which allowed him to defect from Cuba. He’s been an all-star and one of, if not the most important player in the Dodgers everyday lineup. The Dodgers know the potential that lies in the Cuban athletes when it comes to baseball. They also have fellow Cuban Alex Guerrero who is just beginning to make an impact.
"When solving for winning, we have to cast a wide net," Dodgers President of Baseball Operations Andrew Freidman told MLB.com after signing Olivera in March. "We will do as good a job as we can all over the world. When we find a fit -- short or long term -- we will be aggressive."
Olivera will likely head to the Dodgers’ spring training complex and could join the main roster in a matter of a few weeks.
At worst, he adds depth to a crowded infield for L.A. At best, the Dodgers will have a trade-deadline like pickup before the all-star break.
