Rob Butcher

Cincinnati Reds Publicity Director

 

CHICAGO — President of Baseball Operations Walt Jocketty Monday announced the Cincinnati Reds and Cuban free agent shortstop Alfredo Rodriguez have agreed to terms on a minor league contract.

Rodriguez, 22, will begin playing immediately in the Dominican Summer League.

In 2014-2015, the 5-10, 195-pound Rodriguez was the Rookie of the Year in Cuba’s Serie Nacional after hitting .265 with 12 stolen bases in 16 attempts in 84 games for La Isla De La Juventud.

He also won Cuba’s equivalent of the Gold Glove.

“Our whole group that scouted Aroldis and Raisel also saw Alfredo,” said senior director of amateur scouting Chris Buckley.

“We all think he’s an everyday shortstop with a chance to play plus defense. He’s a very smooth defensive infielder, a good line drive bat and a plus runner. We were impressed with his all-around defensive actions. It’s very hard to find an everyday shortstop who we liked everything about.”

Rodriguez is the third free agent from Cuba to sign with the Reds since 2010, joining left-handed pitcher Aroldis Chapman and right-handed pitcher Raisel Iglesias.