Kansas City agree to $7 million, 5-year deal with Cuban lefty Noel Arguelles

Royals add Cuban lefty Noel Arguelles

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Royals have agreed to a $7 million, five-year contract with Cuban left-hander Noel Arguelles.

Arguelles, who turns 20 on Jan. 20, defected with Boston Red Sox shortstop Jose Iglesias at the 2008 World Junior Championships in Edmonton, Alberta. He likely will start in the lower minors to work on command of his fastball, which is in the low-90 mph range.

A solid 6-foot-4, Arguelles pitched for the La Habana Vaqueros in the Cuban National Series and was the winning pitcher in the gold medal game of the Pan American Junior Championships in 2007.