The Chicago Cubs missed out on Cuban outfield Yoenis Cespedes today when the 26-year old signed a four-year deal with the Oakland Athletics, but it appears the Northsiders are very close to signing the other big prize free agent in Cuba: 19-year old outfielder Jorge Soler.
The Chicago Tribune is reporting Soler will sign a three or four-year contract for around $27 million. The 6-foot-3, 200 lbs. outfield is thought to have five-tool potential.
Related: Yoenis Cespedes Rumors: Cuban OF To Sign With Oakland Athletics, According To Report
Baseball Prospectus' Kevin Goldstein has been busy answering questions about Soler on Twitter for the last 10 minutes. Here's what we gleamed: Goldstein believes Soler with be the Cubs' No. 1 overall prospect. Goldstein also thinks Soler will be in the minors for about three years. Goldstein added that if Soler was in the 2011 MLB draft, he would have been a top 10 selection.
Earlier this offseason, the Cubs signed 19-year old Cuban pitcher Gerardo Concepcion.
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