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Reds finalize contract with Cuban pitcher Gutierrez
- Updated: September 7, 2016
CINCINNATI — The Reds’ latest splurge into the Cuban free-agent market culminated on Wednesday, when the signing of pitcher Vladimir Gutierrez was completed. Gutierrez was at Great American Ball Park on Tuesday for his physical, which he passed before the signing was made official. It is a Minor League contract, and the right-hander will not occupy a spot on the 40-man roster.
MLB.com’s Jesse Sanchez reported on Aug. 30, via an industry source, that the Reds and Gutierrez had a $4.75 million deal. Gutierrez, who hails from Pinar del Rio, Cuba, turns 21 on Sept. 18.
“I’m thankful to the Reds for giving me the opportunity to play professional baseball,” Gutierrez said inside the Reds’ clubhouse via translator Julio Morillo. “When I was watching them on TV, I really liked the team. I liked the Reds.”
Gutierrez was the Serie Nacional Rookie of the Year during the 2013-14 season. He went 5-5 with a 3.90 ERA that season, primarily pitching out of the bullpen. Gutierrez had a 2.45 ERA as a reliever during the 2014-15 season. He projects to be a starter, but he could also pitch out of the bullpen.
Inactive from competitive pitching since he defected from his professional team during the Caribbean Series in February 2015, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Gutierrez has been limited …
