The Philadelphia Phillies may have another ace coming to their pitching staff.
According to various reports, the Phillies have agreed to a six-year deal with Cuban pitcher Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez.
Jeff Passan of Yahoo! Sports first reported that Gonzalez’s deal is worth a guaranteed $48 million over six years with a seventh-year vesting option for $11 million.
Source confirms report by @JeffPassan that the #Phillies have signed Cuban RHP Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez. Per Passan, 6 yrs, $50M plus.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 27, 2013
Gonzalez would join a staff that already includes dynamic left-handers Cliff Lee, Cole Hamels and up-and-coming right-hander Kyle Kendrick.
Lee, Hamels, Gonzalez, Kendrick would give #Phillies a competitive rotation – and clearly, money is not an issue.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 27, 2013
The 26-year-old left Cuba this year and worked out for major-league teams in Mexico.
The Boston Red Sox and Los Angeles Dodgers were reportedly very interested in landing Gonzalez.
Once the deal is official, Gonzalez is expected to be sent to the minor-leagues before he is ready to join the Phillies in mid-to-late August.
The reported deal would be the richest contract ever for an international free agent.
