It is being reported that the Chicago Cubs have reached an agreement with free agent starting pitcher Gerardo Concepcion. The Cuban left-hander’s deal is reportedly worth $7 million plus incentives.
Concepcion appears to be the first of the big-name Cuban defectors to sign with a major league club this winter. The 18-year-old established residency in Mexico before being declared a free agentby Major League Baseball in the middle of January.
Nov. 18, 2011; Chicago, IL, USA; From left Chicago Cubs general manager Jed Hoyer , manager Dale Sveum , and president of baseball operations Theo Epstein speak during a press conference announcing the hiring of Sveum at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Reid Compton-US PRESSWIRE
Soon after this declaration, it was reported that several clubs had expressed interest in Concepcion. Of the clubs listed, the Rangers, Yankees, Cubs and White Sox had reportedly “expressed the most interest” in the teenager.
Last week it was reported that Concepcion was close to reaching an agreement with a major league club and it now appears the Cuban native has found his new team. Concepcion is expected to start his professional career in the minor leagues, though it’s unclear as of yet which level he is slated for.
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.
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Tags: Chicago Cubs, Gerardo Concepcion
Blaine joined the crew in April of 2011. He covers current news and notes from around the baseball world for Call to the Pen.
You can reach Blaine at 
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[...] FanSided’s own Call To The Pen also shared their thoughts on the Concepcion signing. Most of the article is fluff, but Call To The Pen staff writer Blaine Blontz included Concepcion’s stats from his 2010-11 rookie of the year campaign in Cuba’s primary amateur league. Concepcion was 10-3 with an ERA of 3.36 in 21 appearances while earning rookie of the year honors. [...]