The Chicago White Sox contracted Cuban outfielder Oscar Colás, one of the top available international free agents in this year’s class. The club announced the signing on Tuesday, and the Associated Press reports that Colás’ signing bonus is $ 2.7 million.
Once christened the “Cuban Ohtani” for his two-way ability. Colás (23) is now exclusively an outfield player, and he hit .269 / .319 / .481 in part-time service with the Fukuoka Softbank Falcons in Japan from 2017-19. MLB.com’s free exploration report says Colás can “play all three outfield positions and projects to hit in the middle of the order.” He batted and threw with his left hand.
As for Colás’ two-way potential, it looks like he’s going to focus on his skills on the board and in the outfield to move forward. Via the AP, Marco So⁇ dy, CEO of White Sox, said:
“He wants to be a position player and he feels that he has a better chance of being successful as a position player, and we feel that his development as a pitcher will take much longer than a position player.
“So, for that type of player with that type of power, that type of ability on the field, we are obviously looking for a guy who has the opportunity to get to the big leagues much faster.”
Given his age and success in Japan, Colás thinks to have a quick way to the majors. The Sox currently need help at the corner outfields, and the hope is that Colás will be able to provide that help sooner rather than later.
To help Colás make the difficult transition to the U.S. major leagues is undoubtedly a White Sox list that already includes Cuban players like José Abreu, Yasmani GrandalYoán Moncada, en Luis Robert.
