Yankees sign 19-year old Cuban pitcher Omar Luis Rodriguez

The New York Yankees have agreed to terms with 19-year old Cuban pitcher Omar Luis Rodriguez.  The fireballing young lefthander— who had defected from Cuba and declared a free agent earlier this month— was offered a minor league contract worth $4-$5 million by the Yankees and won't need to be added to the 40-man roster.

The signing was first reported by MLB.com, who also listed the Dodgers, Phillies and Royals as potential suitors for his services.

Rodriguez is projected to become a starter and had impressed scouts with a 93 mph fastball.  He helped Cuba earn a bronze medal at the World Junior Baseball Championship in 2010— which introduced the young phenom to the world.

The signing comes before new rules take effect on July 2, which effectively limits how much major league teams can spend on international signings.  The rules are part of the new collective bargaining agreement.

Welcome to America O-Rod.