By ,
Published May 03, 2016
Los Angeles, CA (SportsNetwork.com) - The Los Angeles Dodgers have finally completed their agreement with infielder Hector Olivera after the well- regarded Cuban defector passed a physical on Tuesday.
Olivera, a .323 lifetime hitter over 10 seasons with Santiago of Cuba's Serie Nacional League, had originally agreed to a six-year deal with the Dodgers in March. The Los Angeles Times reported the contract to be worth $62.5 million and contains a $28 million signing bonus.
The Dodgers also officially announced the signing of Cuban pitcher Pablo Fernandez, a high-level player in the Serie Nacional as well, to a minor league contract. In March, Baseball America reported that Fernandez would be receiving an $8 million signing bonus.
Olivera, who turned 30 on April 5, hit .340 or better three times with Santiago and compiled 96 home runs, 433 RBI and a .407 on-base percentage over 642 career games in Cuba. In his final season in his native land, Olivera hit .316 with seven homers and 38 RBI in 73 games in 2013-14.
Concerns about Olivera's health ultimately delayed the signing, however. He missed the entire 2012-13 season with a blood clot in his left arm, and reports surfaced at the time of the initial agreement that the Dodgers feared of ligament damage to his right elbow that would have required surgery.
Olivera has played primarily second and first base during his career, but owns experience at third base as well.
Fernandez, 25, was named Series Nacional Pitcher of the Year in 2011-12 after leading the league with a 1.52 ERA and notching 18 saves in 35 appearances for Holguin. The right-hander also earned MVP honors during that season's All- Star Game.
Over 177 games, all but 21 coming in relief, across seven seasons in Cuba, Fernandez compiled a 32-30 record with a 3.59 ERA and 40 saves.
https://www.foxnews.com/sports/dodgers-finalize-deal-with-olivera