Sports

"We have an agreement, pending a physical," Jaime Torres said Wednesday. "We're in the process of getting him the necessary visa and paperwork. Once that's done, we should have a final, binding contract."

Torres said the Pirates have offered Herrera a three-year, major-league contract. Torres did not divulge the financial terms.

The deal will mark the first time the Pirates have a Cuban defector on their 40-man roster. Herrera, who fled Cuba in 2005, now lives in the Dominican Republic.

Herrera, a 25-year-old right-hander, went 18-7 with a 3.72 ERA during his career in Cuba. He was on the roster of Cuba's 2004 gold medal-winning Olympic team.

The 6-foot-2, 200-pound pitcher throws a fastball that's been clocked in the 88-92 mph range, an above-average split-finger fastball, a changeup, curve and slider.

"We think he can pitch at the upper levels and hopefully get to the big leagues quick," Pirates general manager Dave Littlefield said.

Herrera could compete for a rotation spot during spring training. But Littlefield is tempering his expectations because Herrera has not pitched competitively since leaving Cuba.

"He's got plenty of talent. I'm confident about that," Littlefield said. "But as far as what he'll be able to show in big-league camp, I really don't know yet. We don't want to put any limits on him, but there'll be things he'll have to make adjustments to. We'll certainly give him lots of opportunity."

Littlefield and Pirates' director of Latin American scouting Rene Gayo were on hand when Herrera worked out for major league scouts in August in the Dominican Republic.

"We've been watching him for a while," Littlefield said. "What we've seen has been more or less simulated games in bullpens. He's a very intriguing guy. This guy's a man; it's not like signing a 17-year-old."

Torres said Herrera has not yet made plans to pitch in a winter league, but he would be willing to do so if the Pirates want him to.

Notes: The Pirates declined their $6 million option for 2007 on spare outfielder Jeromy Burnitz and will pay him a $700,000 buyout that allows him to become a free agent, although he may retire. ... With Joe Randa set to depart via free agency, the Pirates have 37 players on their 40-man roster. ... Jody Gerut and Bryan Bullington remain on the 60-day disabled list and don't count against the 40-man roster. ... The Pirates named Roy Smith as special assistant to the general manager and Tony Beasley as minor-league roving infield instructor. Smith returns to the Pirates after spending two seasons as vice president of scouting and player development with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Beasley was the Washington Nationals' third-base coach last season.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

• Most Read
• Most E-mailed
• Latest News