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The young Cuban baseball player Yordan Manduley Jr., son of the renowned shortstop Yordan Manduley, has recently left Cuba accompanied by his father, with the aim of signing with a Major League Baseball (MLB) organization.
The news was reported by journalist Francys Romero, who indicated that the talented 18-year-old player will be represented by Edgar Mercedes, the same agent who facilitated the signing of Yariel Rodríguez in 2024.
Manduley Jr. made his debut in the 63rd National Baseball Series with the Holguín Cubs, a team where he shared the lineup with his father.
During his participation, he recorded an offensive average of .412, hitting 21 hits in 51 at-bats, driving in 10 runs, and achieving an OPS of .934.
Furthermore, he made a defensive impact on the team, showcasing skills that set him apart in professional baseball.
The decision to emigrate is part of a growing wave of young Cuban talents seeking opportunities in professional baseball outside the island.
The departure of Manduley Jr. and his father represents a significant loss for Cuban baseball, given Yordan Manduley's career and legacy in the National Series and with the national team.
It is expected that, under the representation of Edgar Mercedes, Manduley Jr. will begin the MLB evaluation process, participating in showcases and private workouts to showcase his talent and achieve his dream of playing in the Major Leagues.
Career in the Cuban National Baseball Series and international experience:
Yordan Manduley's father has been a cornerstone in the infield of the Holguín team, demonstrating defensive skills and consistent batting that have established him as one of the best shortstops in the Cuban league.
In addition to his performance in Cuba, Manduley has had significant experiences in foreign leagues. In 2017, he stood out in the Canadian-American Independent Baseball League (Can-Am) with the Quebec Capitales, leading the hitters with an average of .431. His performance was rated as "excellent" upon his return to the league.
In 2018, Manduley continued his outstanding performance in the Can-Am League, claiming the title of batting leader with an average of .337 and being recognized as Player of the Month for August.
His performance earned him a spot on the roster All-Stars for the second consecutive year, solidifying his position as the number one shortstop in the league.
In January 2025, Manduley was selected as a reinforcement for the Leñadores de Las Tunas team to represent Cuba in the I Series of Baseball of the Americas, held in Nicaragua. His inclusion, along with other prominent players, aimed to strengthen the Cuban team in this international competition.
Frequently Asked Questions about the emigration of Cuban ballplayers and Yordan Manduley Jr.
Who is Yordan Manduley Jr. and what is his goal in emigrating from Cuba?
Yordan Manduley Jr. is an 18-year-old Cuban baseball player, son of the renowned shortstop Yordan Manduley. He has emigrated from Cuba along with his father with the goal of signing with a Major League Baseball (MLB) organization and continuing his professional baseball career outside the island.
What has been Yordan Manduley Jr.'s performance in the National Baseball Series of Cuba?
During his debut in the 63rd National Baseball Series with the Holguín Cubs, Yordan Manduley Jr. achieved an offensive average of .412, hitting 21 singles in 51 at-bats, driving in 10 runs, and reaching an OPS of .934, also standing out defensively in the infield.
What does the departure of Yordan Manduley and his son represent for Cuban baseball?
The departure of Yordan Manduley and his son is a significant loss for Cuban baseball, as both have been important figures in the National Series and, in the father's case, also in international competitions. This exodus is part of a growing trend of young Cuban talents seeking better opportunities outside of Cuba.
What role does agent Edgar Mercedes play in Yordan Manduley Jr.'s career?
Edgar Mercedes is the agent representing Yordan Manduley Jr. in his process of signing with a MLB organization. Mercedes has experience in facilitating signings for Cuban players with Major League teams, as he did with Yariel Rodríguez in 2024.
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