It's fine to hope that there is some sneaky way they can manipulate to get his entire "signing fee" to not count. But the ways to do that I think are going to mean he is treated like a minor league player, has three options, waits six years service time to hit FA, etc.
(ed. after Cumby's post) I am going to guess his agent is going to look for ways to get around that kind of control. If he is subject to it, he obviously may be chomping at the bit, but the better play would be for him to get two more years in the Cuban league and not be subject to MLB's indentured servitude for up to 12 years (13 depending on his birthday and if the 4th option year would apply). But I'm not him.
If the bonus doesn't count, and he can't be given an explicit contract roster guarantee or any guarantee of major league salary, just a huge chunk of money up front, then if I were him I would put more emphasis on path to the majors, as getting the clock started is most important with MLB rules. Like, even sucking incredibly in the majors in 2015 and 2016 will not really reflect on a poor arbitration award if he is then good in 2017. Being kept in the minors until he is ready means he doesn't hit arb for that much longer.
(ed. after Cumby's post) I am going to guess his agent is going to look for ways to get around that kind of control. If he is subject to it, he obviously may be chomping at the bit, but the better play would be for him to get two more years in the Cuban league and not be subject to MLB's indentured servitude for up to 12 years (13 depending on his birthday and if the 4th option year would apply). But I'm not him.
If the bonus doesn't count, and he can't be given an explicit contract roster guarantee or any guarantee of major league salary, just a huge chunk of money up front, then if I were him I would put more emphasis on path to the majors, as getting the clock started is most important with MLB rules. Like, even sucking incredibly in the majors in 2015 and 2016 will not really reflect on a poor arbitration award if he is then good in 2017. Being kept in the minors until he is ready means he doesn't hit arb for that much longer.