Cuban Born Pitcher Raisel Iglesias Arrives In Cincinnati

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The Reds introduced Raisel Iglesias the latest Cuban to sign with a Major League team. 

The Reds signed Iglesias to a seven-year contract on June 27.  Visa problems kept the right-handed pitcher in Haiti until Sunday, when he arrived in Cincinnati.

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Iglesias joins current Reds' players, Brayan Pena and Aroldis Chapman, both of whom encouraged the 24-year old to sign with Cincinnati.

"He's a tremendous athlete, a converted shortstop. He throws 94-96 with two quality breaking pitches, a curveball and power slider, and has the makings of a quality changeup," Jocketty said. "He has four quality pitches, and our scouts feel he can be a starter and be a starter very soon. What we've tried to develop here is pitching and defense. The more pitching we can acquire, the deeper we can get, the more flexibility it gives us going forward."

Braynn Pena and Aroldis Chapman were in contact with Iglesias during his negotiations with the Reds.

"Chapman especially, talked to him," Pena said.  "Aroldis is quiet but is very persuasive.  I don't think he wants to take credit though."

 

Iglesias pitched for Isla de la Juventud in Cuba's National Series for 3 seasons and compiled an 8-12 record and 3.47 ERA over 5 starts and 83 relief appearances (223ip, 202h, 115bb, 169k, 11hr).

 

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 "Iglesias is a nice young man," manager Bryan Price said.  "I'm looking forward to getting him acclimated.  He is going to be a nice piece once he gets here."