FORT MYERS, Fla. -- In the recent past, the Red Sox have been significant players in the Cuban market, signing shortstop Jose Iglesias, outfielder Rusney Castillo, and at this time a year ago, infielder Yoan Moncada.
Now, two more high-profile players from Cuba are about to appear on the open market, but the Red Sox seem poised to sit out the bidding this time, according to multiple industry sources.
Earlier this month, brothers Yulieski Gurriel and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. left Cuba, looking to relocate, establish residence elsewhere and offer their services to Major League Baseball teams.
Yulieski Gurriel, the elder of the two at 31, had been considered Cuba's best overall player and best potential MLB prospect. Lourdes, 22, is a lesser player, though the consensus is that he can still improve.
By virtue of his age, Yulieski Gurriel will not be subject to international bonus pools. Lourdes, meanwhile, can fit into the same category if he waits until he turns 23 this fall. Currently, he would be subjected to the bonus pools limits.
The latter would eliminate the Red Sox from contention alone since the Red Sox are currently over the allotted spending limits. But even if they were free to spend freely without regard to the international bonus pool limits put in place by the last CBA, the Sox aren't seen as players, according to an industry source.
Yulieski is widely considered a potential star, but he's split time between second and third base, two positions currently occupied by expensive veterans on the Red Sox roster.
Pablo Sandoval has another four years remaining on his five-year, $95 million deal signed in December of 2014. Dustin Pedroia's current deal, meanwhile,
will pay him $84 million over the next six seasons.
As for Lourdes, it's harder for evaluators to project how good he can be. But as an outfielder, the Sox have three starters -- Jackie Bradley Jr., Mookie Betts and Castillo -- all their 20s. Last year's first-round pick out of the University of Arkansas, Andrew Benintendi, is an outfielder whom many believe can reach the big leagues before the end of 2017.