The Cuba-to-Cincinnati pitching pipeline has another player according to multiple reports.
El Nuevo Herald and MLB.com reported the Reds have agreed to terms with Cuban right-hander Vladimir Gutierrez for $4.75 million.
MLB.com ranks Gutierrez No. 4 among international prospects, and Baseball America reports he is a 6-3, “lanky, long-armed pitcher who has been one of the top prospects on the international market for a while.”
He has a premium curveball and a fastball that averages in the low 90s but has topped out at 97 MPH.
Dayton fans might get to see him next season as BA rates him as a Single-A player based on his present ability.
Recent Reds signings from Cuba include left-handed flamethrower Aroldis Chapman and right-hander Raisel Iglesias. They also brought on Alfredo Rodriguez, a shortstop, earlier this year.
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