Alex

Guerrero

There was a rumor in July that Guerrero had already reached agreement on a seven-year, $32 million contract with the Dodgers, but the 26-year-old had not yet been cleared for major league free agency and that report was ultimately refuted. The Dodgers still seem like the frontrunner, though the Twins, Braves, Red Sox and Reds have also been linked to him. Guerrero projects as a power-hitting second baseman.

A total of seven teams are said to have made bids. The Dodgers were reportedly close to a five-to-seven year, $32 million contract with Guerrero not too long ago, but the deal fell through and he has since hired Scott Boras to represent him. However, they shouldn’t be ruled out as a possible landing spot.

Guerrero, a 26-year-old Cuban defector, has been in contact with the Dodgers for several months but an agreement couldn’t be finalized until he secured an unblocking license from the U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). Sanchez says the pact is “between five and seven years” and will be worth $32 million. Guerrero is a power-hitting second baseman.

Sanchez reported last week the Dodgers were close to a five-to-seven-year, $32 million contract with Guerrero, but he’s now hearing that the free agent infielder is listening to offers from all 30 teams. The 26-year-old is known for his power and is likely to play second base stateside.

The two base knocks were Guerrero’s first in the status after he went 0-for-2 Wednesday. After starting at second base Wednesday, Guerrero was in the DH spot Thursday, with Dee Gordon handling second. The Cuban defector is the favorite to open the year at the keystone for the Dodgers but will have to play well this spring.

The 26-year-old had missed some time in November due to a strained left hamstring, and the Dodgers would like him to play it safe and be fully healthy heading into spring training. Guerrero is expected to begin the 2014 season as the Dodgers’ starting second baseman, and makes for an intriguing option in the later rounds of mixed league drafts.

Colletti also mentioned Miguel Rojas and Dee Gordon as possibilities, but they’d love for Guerrero to run away with the job after giving him a four-year, $28 million contract. It’s worth noting that he’s still waiting for a work visa in order to come to the United States. The 26-year-old Cuban defector is a bit of an unknown quantity, but he has enough power potential to be intriguing in mixed fantasy leagues.

Bowden also said the feeling is that Alex Guerrero needs to start the year at Triple-A based on how he’s performed thus far. Guerrero’s defense seems to be the biggest stumbling block in his pursuit of the starting job. Even if Gordon does win the job out of spring, don’t expect the Dodgers to bury their $28 million commitment for long.

The 27-year-old Cuban import will have to have a strong spring to earn the starting job at second base, but possesses the highest upside of any candidates vying for the position. Dee Gordon and Chone Figgins will also work out at the position during the spring.

Saxon said the team is so concerned about Guerrero’s fielding abilities that they’re trying to convince Michael Young to put off retirement and return as the team’s stopgap second baseman. Either way, it seems that the 27-year-old will have to earn his playing time with a strong spring. If not, Saxon suggests Guerrero may even find himself in the minor leagues to start the season. The Dodgers signed Guerrero to a four-year, $28 million contract in October.