Dodgers make Alexander Guerrero contract official

LOS ANGELES -- The Dodgers on Tuesday finalized their contract with Cuban infielder Alexander Guerrero, signing him to a four-year deal worth a reported $28 million.

"We feel Alexander can be an offensive infielder and a solid everyday player," general manager Ned Colletti said in a statement. "We’re looking forward to him competing for a middle infield position and becoming a key contributor in 2014."

Colletti on Monday said Guerrero would likely play second base, where the Dodgers would have a vacancy if they decline the $5.75 million 2014 option on Mark Ellis.

Guerrero, now 26, hit .290/.402/.576 with 21 home runs in 80 games in his final season in Cuba, in 2011-2012. Since he hasn't played professionally for a while, the Dodgers will send Guerrero to winter ball to prepare for next season.

Guerrero gets a $10 million signing bonus and, per Beth Harris of the Associated Press, annual salaries of $4 million in 2014, $4 million in 2015, $5 million in 2016, and $5 million in 2017. In all four years of the contract Guerrero can earn an additional $1 million in bonuses for between 500-600 plate appearances.

Per terms of his contract Guerrero can't be sent to the minors after 2014 without his consent, per Dylan Hernandez of the Los Angeles Times, who also reports that Guerrero will be a free agent after the 2017 season.

The 5'10", 197-pound Guerrero played seven seasons for Las Tunas in Cuba. Dodgers head of international scouting Bob Engel led the pursuit of the infielder.

"We’ve watched a lot of Alexander at the international level," said Engle in a statement. "It’s been a true organizational effort to bring him aboard."

To make room for Guerrero on the 40-man roster, the Dodgers designated relief pitcher Peter Moylan for assignment. Moylan, 34, was 1-0 with a 6.46 ERA in 14 games for the Dodgers with six strikeouts, seven walks and 23 hits allowed in 15⅓ innings.