Cuban outfielder Alvarez ready to join MLB

Cuban outfield prospect Dariel Alvarez is ready to sign with a Major League club.

On Thursday, Alvarez, 24, a right-handed hitter who played for Camaguey in Serie Nacional, told MLB.com that he was declared a free agent by the Commissioner's Office in January and cleared by the U.S. government to enter into a contract with a big league club a month later. He said a change in representation is part of the reason his appearance on the market has been delayed.

"I am ready," Alvarez said. "I can sign. Just waiting on the best opportunity."

On Wednesday, Alvarez starred in an open showcase in front of a group of scouts that included representatives from the Dodgers, Rangers, Red Sox and Yankees in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The Marlins did not attend the workout.

Alvarez defected from Cuba last summer and later played professionally in Vera Cruz, Mexico. The 6-foot-2, 190-pounder can play all three outfield positions and has impressed Major League scouts with his above-average arm.

Because Alvarez is at least 23 years old and has played at least three seasons in a Cuban professional league, he is not subject to the new international signing guidelines established by the Collective Bargaining Agreement.