Cuban star Hector Olivera is a brilliant hitting talent being hotly pursued by at least five National League teams, but whispers that he may have a UCL issue, and could even need Tommy John surgery, have made this one of the more interesting bidding processes in recent years.

According to sources, the Dodgers have recently requested a second MRI on the elbow of the hard-hitting Olivera – the next great international player ready to sign with the big leagues – and it is believed Olivera declined to provide that.

It isn’t known what the first MRI showed, but it was taken in the Dominican, and may not be seen as reliable as a team’s own doctor’s work. People close to the third baseman point out he is throwing well, and that he is one of the most examined and worked-out international players ever, no matter how many MRIs he submits to.

In fact, he is said to want to sign soon as he can get into a camp and be ready to play on a big-league team by Opening Day. The medicals are said to have been sent to multiple teams, though not all the interested teams have examined him yet.

“He threw fine when I saw him,” one scout said.

Olivera recently switched agents, and new agent Greg Genske declined comment.

Dodgers GM Farhan Zaidi didn't return a text on the matter.

The righty-swinging Olivera, who is being sought by several teams, is seen as a stellar hitter who could impact a team immediately – if ready to go. Some big-league execs say he is the second most accomplished Cuban hitter to come over, after Jose Abreu, who looks like a major bargain at $68 million over six years for the White Sox.

There has been some mystery for some time about whether Olivera, 29, may need Tommy John surgery. However, it’s less serious for a position player than pitcher and requires shorter rehab time – maybe eight months or so. Olivera has logged a fair amount of time as a DH and second baseman in recent years, and some speculate whether it’s because there’s an arm question.

In any case, the Dodgers, along with the Padres and Braves, are seen as three of the main contenders. The Marlins, first reported by CBSSports.com, and Giants are among other teams interested. The A’s also have been reported to have shown interest, though it isn’t known how involved they are.  Some teams have inquired about a corner outfield spot as well as second baseman and of course third base.

Olivera was said at one time to be seeking about $70 million, and one GM said that wouldn’t be completely crazy, adding the caveat … “if he’s healthy.”

Most others are speculating that he could receive in the neighborhood of Chase Headley’s $52-million Yankees deal, or perhaps a bit more if he’s lucky. The Dodgers and Giants are among baseball’s bigger spenders, and the Padres have become very aggressive – though San Diego would shock folks if they continued this spending spree.

New Padres GM A.J. Preller plus top exec Logan White, active international scouts, have for years effectively mined the Latin American market. But San Diego, not long ago 30th in big-league payroll, isn’t exactly cash rich. Olivera could fit the Padres positionally, but they are already very righty heavy.

The Dodgers have Juan Uribe and Howie Kendrick to play third and second, and they like both those players as candidates to re-sign, but Olivera may work for them even if he’s a year away, The Giants need offense, and while they signed Casey McGehee to play third this year, they don’t have anyone on a long-term deal at third, either.

The improving Marlins are looking for offensive help, while the rebuilding Braves, who may be reluctant to give out very big deals after a couple recent misses from the previous regi,e (Melvin Upton Jr., Dan Uggla) aren’t seen as likely to go past $50 million.