Rays ink Cuban Varona to Minor League deal

ST. PETERSBURG -- The Rays signed outfielder Dayron Varona to a Minor League contact, the team announced Saturday.

The 27-year-old played seven seasons in the Cuban National Series, with a career average of .312, according to Baseball Reference, which lists him at 5-foot-9, 170 pounds. He hits and throws right-handed.

Varona is known primarily for being a plus defender with a decent arm and above-average speed. Accordingly, he can play all three outfield positions.

The Rays have not reported the bonus amount they paid to sign Varona.