The Reds signed 25-year-old Cuban outfielder Felix Perez to a minor league deal worth $550K today. Jorge Arangure Jr. of ESPN.com reported yesterday that a signing seemed likely and the team confirmed the move today on Twitter, with John Fay of the Cincinnati Enquirer adding the dollar amount (via Twitter). Last night, Reds GM Walt Jocketty said his club was one of many teams still talking to Perez, according to Mark Sheldon of MLB.com.
Major League Baseball suspended Perez for one year for lying about his age and reinstated him in October of last year. Perez agreed to a deal with the Yankees in the spring of 2009. The proposed deal would have included a signing bonus in the range of $3MM to $3.5MM. At the time, Perez claimed to be 20 years old though sources told Arangure that it was believed he could be four or even five years older than that. Upon discovering the age discrepancy, the Bombers broke off talks.
When the Yankees ceased discussions with the outfielder, several scouts told Arangure that this was a blessing in disguise as they didn't believe he was worth the money that was being offered.
