José Abreu is off to the Houston Astros but that hasn't stopped the Chicago White Sox from adding Cuban talent to their organization. The latest signing is slightly unorthodox and doesn't fit the mold of some other recent signings. The White Sox still possess over $1.5 million in international space but that pool space will go unscathed after this signing becomes official.
Yosimar Cousín will reportedly receive $100,000 as a signing bonus and the remainder of the contract will be determined by how well he does. He could earn an additional $2 million if he makes it to the majors but he will stay on a typical minor league contract locking him into the organization for the forseeable future.
Yusseff Diaz of The Cuban Baseball Digest wrote about the 25-year-old hurler recently and documented some of his exploits on the island. Cousin has shown a low 90's fastball consistently that hits 95 mph. Some have noted that he's been inconsistent with his breaking stuff but an above average slider was seen during his recent showcases. The righty also throws a changeup and a curveball.
Here's an interview with Cousin (done in Spanish)
Cousín left Cuba for the Dominican Republic in early 2022. Upon arriving in the Dominican, the right hander trained for more than a year at the Yuan Pino Academy in Santo Domingo to prepare for his eventual signing. Prior to fleeing his homeland, Cousín pitched for the Cuban National Team during the Premiere 12 in 2019 and he flashed a "nasty slider" with quality command according to Diaz.
Over the course of six season in Cuba's Serie Nacional, Cousín posted a 4.80 ERA in 419.2 innings. He struggled immensely in his final season however. During that campaign, he finished 7-6 with a 5.68 ERA while accumulating 76 strikeouts in just over 120 innings. Cousín has only averaged 3.8 K/9 in his career and he hasn't thrown competitively since leaving in 2022.
Showcase Footage courtesy of Francys Romero
Pelota Cubana USA is reporting that Yosimar Cousín will report to the Birmingham Barons in Double-A after the completion of his physical exam in the Dominican Republic. It's not a huge investment for the White Sox to make but the 6-foot-2, 200 pounder should have an opportunity to reach the big leagues in short order if he performs in the Southern League.
He profiles as a starting pitcher but could be on some sort of innings limit with the Barons after not pitching competitively of late. A move to the bullpen shouldn't be considered out of the question but slotting in as a starter and accumulating innings makes the most sense to close out the 2023 minor league season.
Cousín is an older addition and likely won't be treated with the same caution and many younger arms. Once the White Sox's coaches and development staff can get eyes on him in the United States, his path will be much easier to project. His assimilation will begin after he takes his physical and he's the latest signing from the island of Cuba for Marco Paddy and his staff.
When more information is known about this addition, we'll have you covered here at FutureSox and Sox Machine.
