The Reds have signed Alfredo Rodriguez, a free agent shortstop from Cuba, according to a report by Jesse Sanchez of MLB.com. The Reds have not confirmed the deal. Rodriguez is 21 years old and a talented defensive shortstop.
The reported contract is for $6 million, which puts the Reds well over the limit for international signings and subject to financial penalties and preclusions from future signings.
Because of his age and experience, Rodriguez is subject to the international signing guidelines, and his signing would thrust the Reds into the maximum penalty: a 100 percent tax on the overage and the inability to sign a prospect for more than $300,000 during the international signing period that starts on July 2, 2016.