According to a report from Jesse Sanchez, the Cubs are closing in on a deal with Chinese Taipei RHP Jen-Ho Tseng. The Cubs have been linked to Tseng in recent days and are close to signing another top international prospect.
Jesse Sanchez reported that the Jen-Ho Tseng is expected to command a bonus just north of $1.5 million.
Jen-Ho Tseng is 6-foot-1, 198 pounds and the 18-year old was ranked as the 29th best international prospect by MLB.com.
According to MLB.com, Tseng is “known for his upright, quick delivery and a fastball that has reached 95 mph.” Tseng reportedly has a good feel for his secondary pitches that includes a curveball and slider. Tseng’s fastball sits in the low-90s and his large frame bodes well for his durability.
The Cubs have committed a lot of money to signing international players since the 2013-14 signing period began on July 2.
The Cubs have signed shortstop Gleyber Torres ($1.7 million), RHP Jefferson Mejia ($850,000), RHP Erling Moreno ($650,000) and catcher Yohan Matos ($270,000). The original signing bonus for Erling Moreno was reported incorrectly at $800,000, the Cubs signed him for $650,000.
The Cubs have reportedly agreed to a deal with outfielder Eloy Jimenez on a $2.8 million contract that includes a $250,000 college scholarship. The signing of Jimenez is expected to be announced this week.
The Cubs have committed $3,470,000 of their $5,520,300 bonus pool to Torres, Mejia, Moreno and Matos. Once the Jimenez deal is official the Cubs will be $749,700 over their pool. The 13.6 percent overage would put the Cubs into the penalty phase and the team would not be able to sign a player in next year’s class for more than $500,000. If the Cubs exceed the pool by 15 percent they would not be able to sign a player for more than $250,000 and would have to pay a 100 percent tax on the overage.
As Jesse Sanchez reported, the Cubs can still acquire, via trade, an additional $1,315,600 in slot money but that would not keep the Cubs from exceeding their bonus pool by more than 15 percent if they sign Jen-Ho Tseng.
The Cubs would be able to trade their slot money next year to acquire additional talent to help add inventory to the system.
The Cubs are also expected to be in the mix for Cuban RHP Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez. Gonzalez could receive his unblocking license from the OFAC this week.