Report: Houston Astros Sign Cuban Pitcher Silvera

The Houston Astros signed left-handed pitcher Fernando Silvera, per journalist Francys Romero on Tuesday. The deal was previously agreed to, but it became official Wednesday after medical tests cleared.

Silvera signed with the Astros for $17,500, becoming the first from his hometown of Buey Arriba to sign with a big league club and the 21st Cuban-born player in Houston’s system, more than any other team in Major League Baseball. The 19-year-old left Cuba in 2021 and will be assigned to one of the Astros' Dominican Summer League teams. 

Silvera throws a four-pitch mix with a fastball that sits 91-93 mph. A curveball (76-78 mph), an 80-mph changeup and a sinker fill out the rest of the lefty's arsenal. 

Silvera became the fifth Cuban player to sign with Houston during the current international signing period, joining Alberto Hernández, Carlos Espinosa, Kenny Gómez and Alejandro Núñez. He is also the 31st Cuban player to sign with an MLB team in the last year.

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