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. 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.
