Cuban player César Prieto makes a private presentation for the Houston Astros

The Cuban baseball playerCesar Prieto He made a private presentation this Wednesday with the Houston Astros, as part of a round in which he intends to showcase his baseball talent before Major League teams that are interested in signing the young prospect.

“César Prieto had a demonstration for the Houston Astros this afternoon. The second baseman appeared to be physically stronger and his bat speed was noticeably better than during his time in Cuba. He could be the most sought-after free agent in the next international free agency period,” Pelota Cubana posted on Twitter.

After leaving the Cuban team in the American Baseball Qualifiers, held at the end of May in Miami, César Prieto has not been seen much in public. Days after escaping in a car upon arrival at a hotel in West Palm Beach, a representative for the ballplayer reported that they were thinkingtravel to the Dominican Republic to settle there, “as happens with most baseball players.”

Although the legal process to establish residency in a third country and achieve free agency is cumbersome and long (it can last 6 to 7 months on average), scouts believe that Prieto will have no problems receiving a good bonus and getting the job. desired professional signature.

With dizzying numbers and 22 years of age, Prieto stands out as one of the most coveted prospects in the Major Leagues, where many see a promising future for him. In the last Cuban national championship he had an average above 400 and achieved a streak of 45 consecutive games hitting for hits.

In addition, Prieto managed to break the hit record in his debut as a rookie in Cuban baseball, breaking the mark held by Kendrys Morales with 134 hits. According toPelotacubanaUSA.com, Prieto also emerged as the leader of the hitters in the 2017 World Youth Championship with an average of 581 and took the title of best second of that championship. For this specialized site, the Cienfuegos player will be the most sought-after player of the next transfer season.

“Physically, he is another César Prieto and it is clear that he has worked hard to tone his body and increase muscle mass,” journalist Yordano Carmona toldThe New Herald this Wednesday after the exhibition against the Astros.

“He had a good batting session, with good lines. For his first demonstration, I think he did quite well,'' said the journalist who finds him in better physical shape, faster at bat and more powerful than at the time as a member of the Cuba team.

César Prieto would be in the process of obtaining free agency for the negotiation of a contract, with the possibility of establishing residence in a third country, according to this newspaper. If he formalizes the procedures without setbacks, the waiter could become the most coveted prospect in January, when the next signing period opens in the international market, just as happened with Yoelki Céspedes, who signed with the White Sox a few months ago.