Seattle Mariners: Reports say Victor Labrada will be a Mariner on July 2nd

According to reports, the Seattle Mariners have reached an agreement with Cuban prospect Victor Labrada.

HIALEAH, FL- As reported by Francys Romero last November, the Seattle Mariners and Victor Labrada have reached a tentative agreement on a minor league contract that will pay him the sum of 350 K on July 2nd.

The young Cuban debuted with Havana’s Industriales last year and hit a homer in his first at bat in the Serie Nacional. The outfielder was also the captain of the island’s Sub 18 national team at the Pan-American baseball tournament in 2018 in Panamá.

Some scouts have compared him to Leonys Martin because of the strength of his throwing arm and also to Guillermo Heredia because of the ground he can cover in centerfield.

Labrada is characterized as a contact hitter with very little power and plenty of speed, he projects as a leadoff hitter at the next level.

Although he wasn’t on the list that Cuba turned over to MLB of 34 amateurs before the agreement was annulled by President Trump, he was the first to reach an agreement since the pact died.

How have you prepared to incorporate yourself with Mariners after your contract is made official?

First I had to prepare myself mentally to leave my family in Cuba. I also had to adapt to not playing every day. I also had to prepare myself physically to a different game. I will very do everything possible to prepare properly because I’m a tireless worker.

At what level will you begin your career?

That hasn’t been confirmed yet, but at this time I’m only concerned with preparing myself properly so when the time comes I’m ready to go.

You have drawn comparisons to Guillermo Heredia and Leonys Martín, give me your opinion about those comparisons?

Personally I didn’t know about the Martín comparison, I only knew about the Heredia one. It’s an honor to be compared to these two good players that I admire plenty.

What did your work on the most during the spring?

I worked on my build. I focused on putting pounds on my frame without losing my speed, because that’s one of my best weapons. Personally, I can’t wait to make my professional debut.

What is your goal for the season?

I have plenty of goals but my main one is to serve my team in whatever function possible and always give 110 percent. I want to be as explosive as possible every time I grace the field.

List of 34 International Prospects Released to MLB by FCB in April

(Agreement was nullified by the US government)

Alfredo Fadraga C (Ciego de Avila)
Ariel Martinez C ( Matanzas)**
Daniel Perez 1B( Cienfuegos)
Cesar Prieto 2B ( Cienfuegos)***
Andres Hernandez 3B (Havana),
Norel González 1B-OF (Villa Clara)*
Oscar Luis Colas 1B-OF-LHP (Santiago de Cuba)*
Guillermo Garcia IF (Granma)
Narde Yadan Cruz IF (Havana)*
Loidel Chapelli IF (Camaguey)
Ricardo Ramos IF (Santiago de Cuba)*
Felix Rodriguez OF (Cienfuegos)
Geyser Cepeda OF (Sancti Spiritus)
Yoelkis Cespedes OF (Granma)
Sergio Bartelemy OF (Santiago de Cuba)*
Yoelquis Guibert OF (Santiago de Cuba)
Maykel Garcia OF (Las Tunas)
Carlos Pelegrin OF (Pinar del Rio)*
Leonel Moas  OF(Camaguey)
Livan Moinelo P (Pinar del Rio)**
Raidel Martinez P (Pinar del Rio)**
Andy Rodriguez P (Havana)
Yandi Molina P (Havana)
Alyanser Alvarez P (Mayabeque),
Diosbel Napoles P (Mayabeque)
Pavel Hernandez P (Havana)
Pablo Luis Guillen P (Villa Clara)
Daniel Conde (Villa Clara)*
Yosimar Cousin P (Camaguey)
Rafael Sanchez P (Holguin)
Carlos Font P (Santiago de Cuba)
Norge Carlos Vera P (Santiago de Cuba)*
Raidmon Figueredo P (Havana)*

* denotes defections

**  denotes signed by NPB

*** denotes signed by Mexican League