Minnesota Twins sign high octane Cuban prospect Yennier Cano

The Minnesota Twins have made a late splash in the international free agent market, reportedly signing Cuban pitcher Yennier Cano.

At this point in the year, it is rare for a team to make a splash in the international free agent market. Most of the top prospects have already signed, inking deals with their new franchises months ago. With the new signing window beginning in less than a month, those few remaining top prospects are typically likely to sign once the next period begins.

The Minnesota Twins were lucky enough to buck that trend. According to reports, they have signed Cuban pitcher Yennier Cano to a $750,000 bonus.

Cano had been considered to be the second best international prospect in the present signing period. He was also one of two of the top 30 international prospects that remained unsigned, along with shortstop Yolbert Sanchez. However, while a good amount of speculation had surrounded Sanchez, and the probability that he would wait for the next signing period, the market for Cano had been quiet.

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On the older side at 25 years old, Cano is not the usual younger prospect that gets attention in such signing periods. He was one of the older players on the market, and one of the most experienced. However, Cano is also one of the most intriguing players that had been available as well.

Used as a reliever in Cuba, he has an interesting five pitch mix, with a fastball, splitter, slider, curve, and a change that he rarely used. Of those pitches, his fastball is considered the most intriguing, as it sits in the mid 90s with sinking action. Cano can also be a multi-inning weapon, as he is considered to have the durability and stamina to pitch several innings each time out.

That durability makes Cano even more intriguing in the current era of baseball. He could be used as a bulk reliever following an opener, or possibly in a fireman role similar to how Josh Hader and Andrew Miller had been used. While Cano is likely to need some time in the minors to get ready, he could end up in the Twins bullpen as soon as the start of next season.

The Minnesota Twins signed intriguing international reliever Yennier Cano. His durability and arsenal could make him a weapon in the modern bullpen.