Dian Toscano has not been blessed with the same tremendous talent as Yasmany Tomas, Yoan Moncada or some of the other highly regarded players who are expected to leave Cuba to pursue their Major League dreams within the next few months.
But the Braves believe Toscano has the capability to become a valuable big league outfielder after he gets an opportunity to spend some time at the Minor League level.
The Braves officially announced their four-year deal (includes an option for the 2019 season) with Toscano on Wednesday afternoon.
The two parties reached an agreement in early December, but it took nearly two months to complete the clerical requirements necessary to allow the 25-year-old outfielder to enter the United States.
Toscano will make $6 million over the next four seasons. The contract includes a $1.5 million buyout for the 2019 option.
Toscano is a 6-foot, 200-pound left-handed hitter who was recognized in Cuba for his plate discipline. He has not shown great power and his limited arm strength provides reason to believe he would spend most of his time in left field.
After evaluating Toscano during Spring Training, the Braves will determine whether he will start the upcoming season with Triple-A Gwinnett or Double-A Mississippi.
The Braves designated Jose Constanza for assignment to create a 40-man roster spot for Toscano.
Because he never played in international events for the Cuban national team, Toscano was a relatively obscure figure before he escaped Cuba and reached the Dominican Republic last year.
Gordon Blakeley, a special assistant to the general manager who now heads Atlanta's international scouting efforts, evaluated Toscano on multiple occasions before this agreement was reached.
Braves manager Fredi Gonzalez, bench coach Carlos Tosca and hitting coach Kevin Seitzer watched Toscano and Tomas, a higher-profile Cuban outfielder who ended up signing a six-year, $68.5 million deal with the D-backs, during workouts conducted in the Dominican Republic in November.
Toscano batted .356 with an .892 OPS while playing in the Serie Nacional, Cuba's premier league, from 2012-13.
--- Source: MLB.com