The Padres' big offseason could get even bigger.
The San Diego Padres are the closest of several teams interested in signing Cuban free agent Hector Olivera, according to Antonio Puesan of ESPN Radio in the Dominican Republic.
The Atlanta Braves and Miami Marlins reportedly are also heavily in the mix for Olivera. The Marlins aren't interested if the price is in the $70 million range, per MLB.com's Joe Frisaro. But if the Padres' rumored offer of $50 million is accurate, Miami could match San Diego's figure. At that point, the Marlins might have a leg up considering their location, notes Frisaro.
Olivera, a 29-year-old infielder, is considered major league ready and appears healthy following a blood clot that recently cost him a full season in Cuba.
Olivera was recently rumored to have damage to the ulnar collateral ligament in his throwing arm, but people close to him have denied the report. Olivera has since parted ways with his trainer and agent, according to Baseball America's Ben Badler.
The Padres and Braves have each held several workouts for Olivera, and both of those clubs -- as well as the Dodgers -- sent high-ranking officials to visit him in the Dominican.