Imprisoned saga deer.
The Padres are nearing a deal with Cuban right hander Odrisamer Despaigne, according to MLB Trade Rumors' Tim Dierkes. Despaigne might have already agreed to a deal with the team, but he has to acquire a work visa, though he has already been cleared by the U.S. Treasury Department's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). He should be eligible to sign a contract in three to four weeks.
Despaigne, 26, been a "workhorse" in Cuba -- he has started at least 20 games a year since becoming a starter in 2010 (h/t to ObstructedView.net).
He is represented by Jaime Torres -- Yasiel Puig's former agent.
From 2010 to 2013 in Cuba's Serie Nacional, he threw 647⅓ innings for Industriales, posting a 3.38 ERA and 1.35 WHIP. His control appears to be an issue -- he walked nearly four batters per nine innings over that span. He might not take the league by storm the way some of his fellow defectors have, but the Padres wouldn't bother with their pursuit if they didn't think he could help the organization.
The deal is expected to be a minor league deal at relatively modest total value, according to the New York Post's Joel Sherman. Despaigne will also need to pass a physical exam to complete a deal.