The Los Angeles Dodgers are still eyeing Cuban infielder Alex Guerrero as a potential free agent acquisition, reports Jon Heyman of CBS Sports.
Dodgers still a possibility to sign Cuban INF Alex Guerrero
The Dodgers are one of several teams in play for the power-hitting infielder.
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The Dodgers had allegedly agreed to a five year deal worth $32 million with Guerrero in July, but those discussions fell through. Guerrero, 26, wants a better overall contract over a shorter timespan, in hopes that he can then become a free agent by the age of 30.
Some reporters have suggested the Dodgers would not re-enter discussions while many more have still been listing the team as one of the favorites to land Guerrero.
The team has been heavily scouting him and could look to him as a replacement for second baseman Mark Ellis, who has a team option worth $5.75 million for 2014. Ellis has posted an OPS below 700 each of the last three seasons.
Guerrero would be a good fit in that regard. A shortstop in Cuba, many experts have said he would be a much better fit at second base in the MLB. In addition, the Dodgers have had success with foreign players as both fellow Cuban Yasiel Puig and Korean Hyun-Jin Ryu played big roles in getting Los Angeles to the playoffs.
Guerrero defected from Cuba in January and has been working towards a deal with an American club the past few months. He skipped the 2012-13 Cuban league season due to lack of motivation after being left off the country's roster for the World Baseball Classic. In his last season, he hit .310/.400/.599. From 2009-2011, he hit 60 home runs over 886 at-bats.
Along with the Dodgers, the Reds, Red Sox, Rangers and Giants have all been the most heavily rumored teams interested in Guerrero. Reds GM Walt Jocketty said Monday that he did not expect to sign Guerrero, however.
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