Yankees Sign Cuban Outfielder

Via Ben Badler, the Yankees have signed 26-year-old Cuban outfielder Adonis Garcia. The terms of the contract are unknown, but Brian Cashman shot down reports of a six-year, $16M offer back in March. I would be stunned if the deal came even remotely close to that number. 

The 5-foot-7, 180 lb. right-handed hitter put up a .270/.313/.461 batting line during winter ball, though Badler says Garcia “doesn’t have any standout tools, so it’s hard for scouts to see him fitting in as a big league regular.” Whatever the signing bonus is, it will not count towards this year’s international spending limit. That doesn’t kick in until July 2nd.

Garcia seems like an intriguing guy, seeing as how he could be the guy to take over for Swisher in right field next season. But don't start thinking he's currently at the same level as a Yoenis Cespedes. From the write-up at PRORumors.com, Adonis has some work to do before he's ready to play regularly at the MLB level. But along with being athletic, he also has a great attitude, so there's reason to be at least a bit optimistic. Just don't start creating trade scenarios for other outfielders in the system, and that includes Eduardo Nunez. Let's just hope it's not for 6 years, as that's a bit much.

UPDATE: According to Marc Carig, the Yankees only signed Garcia to a 1-year minor league deal worth $400,000. Not really sure what the point of the signing is, as he's not an option for the MLB team this season, but I'm sure there will be more to come on Adonis.