KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The Orioles officially announced the signing of Cuban outfielder Dariel Alvarez to a minor-league deal. He will report to Class-A Frederick after reporting to Sarasota, Fla., this week.
The 6-foot-2, 180-pound Alvarez played for Camaguey of the Cuban League for five years before defecting to Mexico before the 2012 season.
In five seasons with Camaguey, Alvarez hit .297 with 37 homers and 180 RBIs. His best season came two years ago at the age of 22, when he hit .363/.404/.613 with 22 doubles, 20 homers and 81 RBIs. After defecting to Mexico, Alvarez hit .317/.355/.464 in 192 plate appearances for Tuxpan of the Mexican League.
The 24-year-old Alvarez, who is the second Cuban player the Orioles have signed since executive vice president Dan Duquette took over – Henry Urrutia was the other, reportedly received an $800,000 signing bonus.