Report: Dodgers are the favorites to sign Cuban pitcher Yadier Alvarez.

The Dodgers are reportedly the favorites to sign 19-year-old Cuban pitcher Yadier Alvarez, who will be a free agent and eligible to sign with major league teams on July 2.

That’s been reported by various outlets before today, but MLB.com just posted a more complete scouting report of the right-handed pitcher while re-affirming the Dodgers’ status as favorites. Click here for the full blurb; here’s an excerpt:

Arguably the most intriguing prospect of the summer, the 6-foot-3, 175-pound right-hander from Matanzas didn’t have any professional experience in Cuba’s top league, but he burst on the scene early this year and quickly made a name for himself on the international scouting scene.

Scouts love his arm. It doesn’t hurt that Alvarez has a fastball that touches 98 mph, with a plus slider and an above-average changeup. One high-ranking National League official said Alvarez was the best 18-year-old pitcher he had ever seen. Some scouts believe Alvarez has the potential to be at least a No. 2 pitcher because of his stuff and ceiling.

He is raw and could use some polish, particularly with his command, but he’s young and has time on his side.

This entry was posted in Hot Stove, JP on the Dodgers and tagged by J.P. Hoornstra. Bookmark the permalink.

About J.P. Hoornstra

J.P. Hoornstra covers the Dodgers, Angels and Major League Baseball for the Orange County Register, Los Angeles Daily News, Long Beach Press-Telegram, Torrance Daily Breeze, San Gabriel Valley Tribune, Pasadena Star-News, San Bernardino Sun, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, Whittier Daily News and Redlands Daily Facts. Before taking the beat in 2012, J.P. covered the NHL for four years. UCLA gave him a degree once upon a time; when he graduated on schedule, he missed getting Arnold Schwarzenegger's autograph on his diploma by five months.