Reds Sign Cuban Free Agent Raisel Iglesias
By Jason Mast
Oct 9, 2012; Cincinnati, OH, USA; A general view of Great American Ballpark during batting practice prior to the game between the Cincinnati Reds and the San Francisco Giants in game three of the 2012 NLDS at Great American Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Frank Victores-USA TODAY SportsFour years after landing fireballing left-hander Aroldis Chapman, the Reds have netted another Cuban free agent, inking Raisel Iglesias to a seven year, 27 million dollar contract.
Iglesias, 24, has been on the radar of major league teams since defecting from Cuba last October. The tight-hander worked primarily as a reliever for Serie Nacional, the island’s professional circuit, amassing a 3.05 ERA and 74 strikeouts in 82 2/3 innings last season.
Ben Badler of Baseball America scouted Iglesias twice, once when he started at the World Baseball Classic and once when he relieveed at a matchup between Cuba and the US College national team. According to Badler, the 5’11, 165 lb righty between 88 and 92 MPH with his fastball as a starter, 92-95 MPH as a reliever. His primary off-speed pitch is a “sweepy but effective breaking ball” that is erratic but sometimes plus, and he has developed a change-up over the last few months.
The report went on to praise Iglesias’ athleticism and note that his control was improving, but also cautioned that he was oftentimes wild and scouts questioned his ability to repeat his delivery.
Despite the fact that Iglesias worked as a reliever on the island and most scouts seem to think he is best suited for the bullpen, the Reds believe he has the ability start.
As Badler notes, this has been a common thread for Cincinatti. The team converted Tony Cingriani from a college closer to a major league starter with much success. And in the last calendar, they have tried to do the same with minor leaguers Michael Lorenzen, Carlos Contreras, and their most recent first round pick, Nick Howard.
Of course, the Reds also failed to act for years on much-broadcasted plans to put Chapman in the rotation, but his is a rather unique case. Iglesias, however talented, does not throw 105 MPH.
No word yet from Cincinatti on the level to which Iglesias will be immediately assigned, but Badler predicted him to start his career in Double-A.