Report: Sox Sign Cuban SS Jose Iglesias

El Nuevo Herald reports that the Red Sox have signed 19-year-old Cuban shortstop Jose Iglesias to a $8.2 million contract for four seasons.

Iglesias defected last July in Canada during the World Junior Championships.

Last Friday, SI reported:

Scouts who have seen Iglesias liken him to Ozzie Smith defensively.

"His hands and arm are deluxe," one American League executive said. "The question is how much he'll hit."

Baseball Prospectus, June 4, 2009:

Iglesias has [drawn] attention for his flashy glovework at shortstop, with one scout grading his fielding as an 80 on the 20-80 scouting scale. His arm is enough to stick at shortstop, but his range is somewhat limited by his fringe-average speed. Iglesias makes the most of his ability, with instincts that enhance his tools and excellent makeup. He bats from the right side and while his overall offensive package leaves a bit to be desired, most scouts agree Iglesias will hit enough to allow him to profile as a big league regular. He has decent pop in his 5'10 frame, at a maxed-out 180 lbs., though he can get pull-happy at times. An international scouting director called Iglesias' total package, "Ryan Theriot with better hands." Iglesias is a defensive-oriented overachiever and executives say he would be more of a 2nd-3rd rounder if eligible for the recent draft.