The White Sox were still waiting to make it official, but they now know that 19-year-old Cuban defector Dayan Viciedo will be joining them once his visa problems are cleared up and he can come to Chicago for his physical.
The free agent deal was said to be worth $11 million, but agent Jamie Torres wouldn't comment on the details of the contract. However, the Sox are confident they are getting a player with raw power and through-the-roof potential whom some believe might be ready for the major leagues by the end of spring training.
"He's very special and very mature for 19, and I think he will be competing (for a starting spot)," Torres said in a phone interview.
Viciedo will be competing at third base with Josh Fields unless Fields is traded before camp.
"I would be surprised if he doesn't leave camp on (the big-league) roster," Torres said of Viciedo. "That's how confident I am in his abilities. And if he doesn't make the (roster), he won't have a lot of at-bats in the minor leagues. He'll be up quickly.
"He will show up physically and mentally ready to win a job. He told me that's what he did for the national team as a youngster, and I think the Sox will be very pleased with what they see this spring."
Viciedo reached the top Cuban league at 15. By 16, he had hit .337 with 14 home runs. He was on the Cuban roster for the 2006 World Baseball Classic but didn't make the final team.
Viciedo defected with his family to Mexico in May, then ended up in Miami.
