The international market has figured to be a significant part of Mark Shapiro and Ross Atkins’ effort in rebuilding the Toronto Blue Jays depleted farm system and upper-minor league depth. They’ve taken a step in that direction, as yesterday’s minor league transactions from Baseball America list the Jays as signing Cuban shortstop Javier Monzon.
Monzon, who is 23-years-old, is Toronto’s first Cuban splash since the signing of Adeiny Hechavarria, who was dealt to the Miami Marlins before establishing himself as an everyday player.
Over at Blue Bird Banter, MjwW dug up the details that Monzon had left Cuba for Spain at age 17, and in 2013, landed in the Dominican Republic to pursue a major league deal.