Angels reportedly sign Cuban infielder Roberto Baldoquin for $8 million

The Angels, who have been relatively quiet on the international market in recent years, have reportedly signed Cuban middle infielder Roberto Baldoquin to an $8-million signing bonus, the 20-year-old player told MLB.com on Tuesday.

The deal, which is reportedly pending a physical, would represent the team’s first major foray into the Cuban market since December 2004, when the Angels signed first baseman Kendrys Morales to a six-year, $3-million contract.

The 5-foot-10, 180-pound Baldoquin has reportedly played three seasons for Las Tunas in Cuba’s Serie Nacional, the top league on the island, and he was a member of the country’s 16-and-under national team. He left Cuba in February and has been training in the Dominican Republic.

The Angels have not yet confirmed the agreement, but General Manager Jerry Dipoto was in the Dominican Republic last week.

The signing would far exceed the Angels’ $2.4-million international bonus pool for this year, leaving them subject to a 100% tax on the overage. That means Baldoquin would cost the Angels roughly $14 million to sign. That money, however, would not be counted toward the team’s luxury tax payroll.

Baldoquin bats right-handed and can also play third base and the outfield. He would likely spend at least a season or two before developing into a big leaguer, but he could be an eventual replacement for shortstop Erick Aybar, 30, or second baseman Howie Kendrick, 31.

Twitter: @MikeDiGiovanna