TAMPA — The agent for Cuban defector Jorge Soler said there is no deal done for his client despite sources claiming the Cubs and 19-year-old outfielder have agreed to a $27.5 million contract.
“As for having a deal in place, there is no such thing,’’ Bart Hernandez said yesterday.
The Yankees have an interest in Soler, but not at that price. The Phillies were interested early, but that decreased as the dollars increased. The Blue Jays sent executives to the Dominican Republic yesterday to watch Soler work out.
Soler is close to getting residency in the Dominican. From there MLB and the U.S. government will look at the situation and could inform clubs next week that Soler is a free agent.
Many scouts believe Soler has better tools than fellow Cuban defector Yoenis Cespedes, who signed a four-year deal worth $36 million with the A’s this week.
* Francisco Cervelli’s concussion symptons disappeared two weeks after the Yankees’ season ended with a loss to the Tigers in the ALDS.
Yet wanting to make sure he didn’t chance a second concussion after the reserve catcher suffered a season-ending concussion on Sept. 7, the Yankees denied his request to play winter ball.
“They didn’t allow me,’’ Cervelli said. “I went to the DR and worked out with Robby [Cano] two weeks after [the season].’’
Cervelli, who has had multiple concussions, said he is under no restrictions.
“I have done a lot of tests and I am doing exercises with my neck,’’ Cervelli said. “I feel good.’’
Cervelli will be the favorite to be Russell Martin’s backup when camp opens Monday, but he will be challenged by Austin Romine.
* Curtis Granderson and Cervelli joined the informal workouts at the Yankees’ minor league complex, where Derek Jeter has been a regular.