Cuban prospect Luis Robert signs with White Sox

The Chicago White Sox have officially signed Cuban prospect Luis Robert to a minor league contract that includes a $26 million signing bonus, the team announced Saturday.

The 19-year-old outfielder, who is listed at 6-foot-3 and 185 pounds, has been on the radar of major league teams since he was 15 and is projected as a center fielder, with speed, a compact swing and power.

He had played for Ciego de Avila in Cuba's top league for the past four seasons, hitting .315 with 20 home runs, 92 RBIs and 29 steals.

"We have been able to accomplish a lot in terms of spreading our (international) pools over the last several years, but now we have a chance to get potentially such an impactful talent," said Rick Hahn, the White Sox general manager and vice president. "In adding Luis to our organization, we feel like we have added another dynamic, potential impact talent."

Because of the time away, Hahn said Robert will head to the club's academy in the Dominican Republic and train toward joining the White Sox Dominican summer league team in the coming weeks.

The deal announced Saturday is another step in an overhaul that began over the winter. With one playoff appearance since 2005 and four straight losing seasons, Chicago is rebuilding after trying to plug holes for years.

Robert, who adds to the line of White Sox players from Cuba that features the late Minnie Minoso and current slugger Jose Abreu, became eligible to be signed as a free agent last Saturday, after Major League Baseball informed teams last month that he would not be subject to the June first-year player draft.

"I feel proud," said Robert through a translator. "Those players were examples in Cuba. For me to be wearing the same uniform, it's an honor."

Robert also threw out the ceremonial first pitch to Abreu before Saturday's doubleheader opener against the Detroit Tigers, which Chicago won 3-0.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.