Last week it was announced that Cuban prospect Gerardo Concepcion was declared a free agent by Major League Baseball. Since hitting the open market, Concepcion has drawn considerable attention and Jesse Sanchez of MLB.com is reporting that the Rangers, Yankees, Cubs and White Sox “have expressed the most interest” in the left-hander. Other teams that have been tied to Concepcion this winter include the Marlins, Phillies, Giants, Blue Jays, Red Sox and Royals.
According to Concepcion’s agent Jaime Torres, the 18-year-old has one offer on the table and is expected to ink a major league within the next two weeks. Concepcion has called the experience “a dream come true”.
Currently working out in the Dominican Republic, Concepcion is one of several Cuban players drawing significant buzz this offseason. Unlike Yoennis Cespedes, Concepcion is expected to require some seasoning before making his major league debut. While they both figure to sign lucrative contracts, Concepcion and fellow Cuban teenager Jorge Soler make their professional debut in the minors.
Concepcion was named the 2010-11 Rookie of the Year in the Cuban Serie Nacional. The youngster performed extremely well in Cuba’s main amateur league, compiling a record of 10-3 over his 21 appearances and 16 starts to go with a 3.36 ERA.
You can check out all of the available free agents by position below.