Tampa Bay Rays reportedly sign Cuban prospect Sandy Gaston
The Tampa Bay Rays have reportedly made a splash in the international free agent market, signing Cuban prospect Sandy Gaston.
Originally considered to be part of a package deal with the Mesa Brothers, Sandy Gaston remained unsigned after the Mesa’s signed with the Miami Marlins. Armed with a fastball that can touch 97 MPH at just 16 years old, Gaston was considered to be a prized prospect in his own right. The Baltimore Orioles, by virtue of their available international cap room, and the Tampa Bay Rays quickly became the frontrunners for his services.
According to reports, the Rays have won out. Gaston is reportedly set to sign for a $2.6 Million bonus, giving the Rays another exciting arm in their system.
Los Rayos de Tampa se quedaron con el derecho cubano Sandy Gastón. El pacto fue por un bono de 2.6 millones de dólares. Está registrado con 16 años y es representado por el entrenador Juan Pino y la agencia deportiva del cantante Marc Anthony. #NoticiasSIN @NeftaliRuiz pic.twitter.com/vXWNWuc9KL
— Noticias SIN (@SIN24Horas) October 22, 2018
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There are still some questions regarding Gaston’s future role. His secondary pitches need a great deal of work, and it is questionable as to whether or not he will ever command his arsenal enough to be a starting pitcher. Yet, regardless of his future role, that high octane fastball is enough to entice any team.
Should Gaston find success, it will be easy enough to come up with a tribute for the Cuban righty. After all, Tropicana Field is only 80 minutes or so from Disney World. Maybe they can borrow a song to celebrate Gaston…
No one can throw like Gaston
Bring heat like Gaston
Make batters weak in the knees like Gaston…
It will take some time for Gaston to find his way to the majors. For all of his promise, he still has a lot of work to do, especially in regards to his command. That was evident during his showcase in February, when he lit up the radar gun, but also threw four pitches to the backstop, hit one batter, and nearly hit others. He is a project, but the payout could be tremendous.
Next. Rays made right move with Cash. dark
The Tampa Bay Rays have reportedly signed the intriguing Sandy Gaston. He may be a long way from the majors, but he could be worth the wait.