According to Jesse Sanchez of MLB.com, the Braves have signed 29-year-old "prospect" Yenier Bello to a minor league deal. The deal includes an invite to spring training.
Bello was cleared to sign with a major league team this offseason and has since been cleared by the US Office of Foregin Assets Control to gain access into the country.
Ben Nicholson-Smith had an informative article on Bello back in November after working out for multiple major league organizations. Below are some excerpts:
"Bello's throwing arm and power are his two calling cards... The 28-year-old hit .274 with 13 homers playing in Cuba's Siere Nacional in 2011 and projects as a right-handed hitting catcher with pop. He hasn't caught games this year, creating a potential concern for scouts. However, he has caught hard throwers including Aroldis Chapman in the past and showed solid receiving skills Tuesday"
Bello has posted a career .276/.324/.458 during his career in Cuba. Expect him to be sent to the minor leagues upon completion of spring training. The Dodgers, Mets, Blue Jays, Padres and Cubs were also interested in his services.
As for the "prospect" tag, take Ben Badler's word on it...
No. Non-prospect. RT @RNewsX I know Y. Bello has a big arm & some pop. How is he behind the dish? Decent backup C prospect?
— Ben Badler (@BenBadler) January 25, 2014