Well, that was quick. He just shaved about 3-6 months off his waiting time. I am guessing somebody pulled some strings. Hopefully, it was somebody affiliated with the Cardinals in some way.
mlbtraderumors.com/2016-17-international-prospects
"the 31-year-old infielder has already established Panamanian residency"
For people arguing he is in the decline phase - he is a year younger than Brandon Moss, with much more potential.