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Two young prospects of Cuban baseball secured their futures in the Major League Baseball (MLB) system by signing contracts with organizations: 19-year-old Jan Ewing Cabrera and 17-year-old Yosniel Menéndez.
According to journalist Francys Romero on the social network Facebook, the Villa Clara pitcher Cabrera, a member of the Cuban U-18 team at the 2022 Pan American Championship, has signed a agreement with the St. Louis Cardinals after leaving the island last May.
Represented by Wasserman, the tall athlete received a signing bonus of $250,000. His entry into the MLB system marks a crucial step in solidifying his career in professional baseball.
For his part, Yosniel Menéndez, originally from Matanzas, officially signed with the Tampa Bay Rays for a bonus of $200,000, according to the communicator himself.
Trained at the renowned Ray Castillo Academy, Menéndez is an imposing right-handed pitcher standing 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing 205 pounds, with a fastball that reaches between 94 and 96 miles per hour.
A former member of the Cuba U-15 team in 2022, his talent earned him the rank of the number 4 prospect in the list of the best U-15 talents on the island in 2023.
With this signing, Menéndez becomes the 26th Cuban player contracted in the current 2023-2024 signing period, reflecting the growing impact of Cuban baseball players on the international stage.
Both young athletes symbolize Cuba's emerging talent, carrying with them the hope of shining in the Major Leagues and serving as ambassadors for Cuban baseball at the highest level of competition.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Signing of Young Cuban Baseball Players by MLB
Who are Jan Ewing Cabrera and Yosniel Menéndez?
Jan Ewing Cabrera and Yosniel Menéndez are two young Cuban pitchers who recently signed contracts with Major League organizations. Cabrera, 19 years old, joined the St. Louis Cardinals, while Menéndez, 17, signed with the Tampa Bay Rays. Both are seen as promising prospects for Cuban baseball, having excelled in international youth competitions.
What makes Jan Ewing Cabrera an attractive prospect for MLB?
Jan Ewing Cabrera has caught the attention of several MLB organizations due to his outstanding skills on the mound, blending speed with solid control in his pitches. His experience as a closer for the Cuba U-18 team at the 2022 Pan American Championship and his ability to adapt to starting roles position him as a promising talent for professional baseball.
What is Yosniel Menéndez's situation in Cuban and international baseball?
Yosniel Menéndez has been recognized as one of Cuba's top U-15 talents in 2023. His signing with the Tampa Bay Rays highlights his potential as a right-handed pitcher, known for his imposing presence and a fastball that reaches between 94 and 96 miles per hour. With a signing bonus of $200,000, his development in Major League Baseball is expected to be a significant boost for his career.
How does the signing of these young players affect Cuban baseball?
The departure of young talents like Cabrera and Menéndez reflects the ongoing exodus of Cuban baseball players in search of better opportunities in international professional baseball. This represents a significant loss for the development of baseball in Cuba, which is witnessing its best talents emigrate in pursuit of improved conditions and growth in foreign leagues.
What does it mean for Cuban baseball players to sign with a Major League Baseball organization?
Signing with a Major League Baseball (MLB) organization represents a crucial opportunity for Cuban players to advance their careers in professional baseball at the highest level. This not only provides them with better economic and training conditions but also allows them to compete in the most prestigious league in the world, which is a dream for many athletes on the island.
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