Soler to Cubs for 27.5M

Last I had heard, Soler is neither a free agent nor cleared by the U.S. government to work in the U.S. Unless this story is bogus, the Cubs seem to be inviting the wrath of the Commissioner's Office.

Also, the story says this deal is for "three or four years." If true, that's very odd. Soler is 20 years old and hasn't played organized baseball in almost 2 years. I'd be surprised if he reaches the ML before 2015, which would be the last year of a 4-year contract. (And even if the Cubs retain control beyond the contract's original length, unlike with the A's and Cespedes, the renewal rules would still leave Soler making big money.)

Depends on how the contract is structured. If it's massively front-loaded(structured through bonuses), say 13/9/2.9/2.6, the Cubs could auto-renew him at just over 2M for '16, and under 2M the following year if he's still not arb-eligible.

Depends on how the contract is structured. If it's massively front-loaded(structured through bonuses), say 13/9/2.9/2.6, the Cubs could auto-renew him at just over 2M for '16, and under 2M the following year if he's still not arb-eligible.

Right, but it's still an odd deal. Even with the fourth option he'll get, this kid could be out of options before he's even ready for MLB. (And the lower his 2015 salary is, the more likely he is to be claimed if put on waivers.)

Even with the fourth option he'll get, this kid could be out of options before he's even ready for MLB.

You mean like Andrew Brackman? That's only true if it's a major league contract (ie -- if he's on the 40-man roster from day 1). But there's nothing that says you can't pay big money to a minor leaguer, and if they do it that way his option and service time clocks won't start until he makes the majors.

You mean like Andrew Brackman? That's only true if it's a major league contract (ie -- if he's on the 40-man roster from day 1). But there's nothing that says you can't pay big money to a minor leaguer, and if they do it that way his option and service time clocks won't start until he makes the majors.

Other than for two-sport players, there's no such thing as a multi-year minor league deal. If Soler is signing a three- or four-year deal, it's assuredly a Major League deal (i.e., 40-man).

And minor league deals are all the same salary IIRC (at least at the same level - i.e. AAA players are all paid X amount, AA players are paid Y amount). The only reason some are richer than other is because of the bonus. I doubt the Cubs are willing to pay a $27 million bonus in one lump sum this year.

Other than for two-sport players, there's no such thing as a multi-year minor league deal.

Don't you mean that only two-sport players have gotten multi-year minor league contracts to date? If anyone has ever gotten one, that would seem to indicate that they must be allowed under the rules.

I doubt the Cubs are willing to pay a $27 million bonus in one lump sum this year.

Bonuses can be paid out on any schedule that the parties agree to. Looking at the Nationals since they've given out some big ones lately: Strassburg's bonus is being paid out over three years, Harper's over four.

Bonuses can be paid out on any schedule that the parties agree to. Looking at the Nationals since they've given out some big ones lately: Strassburg's bonus is being paid out over three years, Harper's over four.

Those are MLB contracts.

And don't forget Rey Ordonez!

Or Alay Soler!

Last I had heard, Soler is neither a free agent nor cleared by the U.S. government to work in the U.S. Unless this story is bogus, the Cubs seem to be inviting the wrath of the Commissioner's Office.

It's not a deal yet. This is along the lines of what the Tribune reported in December about Gerardo Concepcion, long before the deal was complete.

-- MWE

It's not a deal yet. This is along the lines of what the Tribune reported in December about Gerardo Concepcion, long before the deal was complete.

I didn't see anything about the Cubs agreeing to terms with Concepcion back in December, but teams aren't even supposed to exchange numbers with Cuban players before MLB has given the green light (i.e., free agency).