Esteban Loaiza is expected to plead guilty in his federal drugs distribution case, according to a report.
ABC7 in Chicago reported on Monday that Loaiza, a former MLB pitcher, has a change of plea hearing on the docket Friday in Southern California District Court. Loaiza originally pleaded not guilty after being arrested and charged with possession and intent to distribute 44 pounds of drugs (both cocaine and heroin). They say he is expected to change his plea to guilty.
The 46-year-old was arrested in February as part of a drug-smuggling sting operation in San Diego County. Police say they found the drugs inside a minivan which was parked in an unfurnished townhouse rented by Loaiza.
Loaiza, who was born in Tijuana, made over $43 million during his 14-year MLB career. He was a two-time All-Star and finished second in AL Cy Young voting in 2003 when he went 21-9 with a 2.90 ERA for the White Sox.
