Dodgers News: Breaking Down Erisbel Arruebarrena’s Five-Year Deal

In their latest signing of a player from Cuba, the Los Angeles Dodgers signed a slick-fielding shortstop to a five-year deal.

Erisbel Arruebarrena is a 23-year-old shortstop that played six seasons in the Cuban league and played with fellow Cuban Yasiel Puig with Cienfuegos. He signed and will report to camp once he receives his work visa to enter the United States.

According to the Associated Press, Arruebarrena signed a five-year, $25 million deal with a $7.5 million signing bonus that fluctuates in annual salary:

The contract includes a $7.5 million signing bonus. His salaries will be $1.5 million this year, $3 million in 2015, $4 million in 2016 and 2017, and $5 million in 2018.

Dodgers GM Ned Colletti said he thinks Arruebarrena could make an impact with the team this season. If the shortstop can make it to camp in time, he could compete for the second base position or a role off the bench. In order to make room for Arruebarrena, the Dodgers designated infielder Justin Sellers for assignment, possibly ending his days in Los Angeles.

The move to get rid of Sellers displays the confidence that the front office has in the 23-year-old. He’s known as a defensive specialist, that will need to work on his production at the plate. Arruebarrena played for Team Cuba in the 2013 World Baseball Classic and defected from the country back in November. The deal makes him the third Cuban-born player signed by the Dodgers in the past two years, with the others being Puig and infielder Alex Guerrero.

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