With the Chicago White Sox having secured Cuban free agent Jose Dariel Abreu, attention in the defector talent market now turns to Alexander Guerrero. As many as seven teams have been mentioned in pursuit of the 26-year-old infielder.
At one time it appeared the Los Angeles Dodgers were first in line for his service. Their success with Yasiel Puig is among reasons they would be interested. That interest flamed out in September.
Most likely, Guerrero will wind up a second base. Like Puig he appeared in need of training in baseball fundamentals. He is a better hitting prospect than fielder at this point. Plus, he hasn't played since 2011.
Guerrero apparently was peeved about being left off Cuba's 2012 World Baseball Classic roster, leading to his defection in January. He has been training in the Dominican Republic.
The Cincinnati Reds this week decided to quit their interest in Guerrero. "We scouted him extensively and had a lot of discussions," GM Walt Jocketty told the Cincinnati Enquirer. "But I don't believe anything will happen."
Other teams mentioned in connection with Guerrero are the San Francisco Giants, Texas Rangers and Boston Red Sox.
Second base is an interesting position this offseason, with Robinson Cano expected to draw big interest by teams not scared away for his huge contract demands.
Guerrero's flirtation with the Dodgers brought reports in July he had a six-year, $32 million deal lined up.
Agent for #Cuba SS Alexander Guerrero: “Nothing finalized. No agreement in hand with anyone. No truth to any of that.” Three teams in mix.
— Jesse Sanchez (@JesseSanchezMLB) July 23, 2013
Video of Guerrero in workouts show him at shortstop, but reports say he is better suited to second.