Braves sign Cuban OF Dian Toscano to four-year deal

The Atlanta Braves have signed Cuban outfielder Dian Toscano to a four-year, $6 million contract. Toscano, 25, agreed to the contract in December after the Braves scouted him in November, but the deal was delayed as the team completed the paperwork to allow him to enter the country. The deal includes a team option for 2019.

The Atlanta Braves have signed Cuban outfielder Dian Toscano to a four-year, $6 million contract, the team announced Wednesday.

Toscano, 25, agreed to the contract in December after the Braves scouted him in November, but the deal was delayed as the team completed the paperwork to allow him to enter the country. The deal includes a team option for 2019.

The left-handed batter joins the Braves from Cuba's Serie Nacional, where he batted .356 last season. Toscano is expected to open the season in the minor leagues.

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Toscano's signing comes after the Braves made several changes in the outfield this offseason. They traded Justin Upton to the San Diego Padres and also sent Jason Heyward to the St. Louis Cardinals. 

The Braves finished 79-83 last season, missing the playoffs. General manager Frank Wren was fired in September and interim GM John Hart was named president of baseball operations in October.

Atlanta's pitchers and catchers report to spring training on Feb. 20, and position players join them on Feb. 25. The Braves open the regular season on April 6 at the Miami Marlins.

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- Paul Palladino