A month ago we learned that the Pittsburgh Pirates had signed Cuban pitcher Cesar Lopez for $600,000, thanks to a report from Ben Badler of Baseball America. Â Today that signing was confirmed by Jorge Ebro of El Nuevo Herald, via Twitter.
MLB Trade Rumors has the following quote from Rene Gayo about Lopez:
“Cesar is a very talented player with great character who we believe is a great addition to our organization,” Gayo said. “He has an above average sinker, a fastball that can reach 94 [mph] and has a good projectable feel to pitch.”
The bonus is the second biggest bonus given to an amateur international free agent by the Pirates, falling behind Luis Heredia‘s $2.6 M bonus in 2010, and ranking ahead of the $400 K that Exicardo Cayonez received in 2008.
