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The baseball players Rafael Viñales and Denis Peña left the Las Tunas team during their stay in Mexico, where they participated in the so-called Champions League of Baseball, marking yet another chapter in the unstoppable exodus of Cuban baseball.
According to the report by specialized journalist Francys Romero on Facebook, the players, both born in the tunero region, decided not to return to the island and separated from the group hours before the return flight. The delegation was scheduled to return to the island today after finishing in second place in the tournament.
Two players with a history both in and out of Cuba
Viñales, 32 years old, was a regular on the national team for the past decade. He represented Cuba in key tournaments such as the 2021 Olympic Qualifier in Miami and the 2024 Premier 12, establishing himself as one of the most consistent catchers - he also played other positions - in the country.
For his part, Denis Peña, 29, had already attempted to leave the country in the past. He was in the Dominican Republic from 2015 to 2017, in search of a professional contract, but was unable to secure one. He later returned to his homeland, where he participated in five National Series, representing his province.
A trend that shows no signs of stopping
The departure of Viñales and Peña adds to the long list of defections that has affected Cuban baseball at all levels: from youth leagues to professional tournaments abroad.
Only in recent years, dozens of baseball players have taken advantage of international tours to stay in various countries, seeking professional opportunities or a life outside state control.
That said, the so-called Champions League of the discipline, organized by the World Baseball Softball Confederation (WBSC), was the most recent stage for this decision, highlighting the disconnect between the players and the Cuban sports system.
Three handball players leave team in Mexico
The actions of Viñales and Peña came just a few days after players Naomis Mustelier, Islenia Parra, and Nahomi Rodríguez left the women's handball team after participating in the 2025 Norceca Championship, held at the facilities of the Olympic Committee in the Aztec country.
According to sources confirmed to the independent media 14ymedio, the desertion occurred on Thursday, April 10, after the morning training session. The three athletes got into a vehicle and drove away from the sports villa where the Cuban delegation was staying.
Without a doubt, training under poor conditions, the lack of real professional opportunities, and state control over athletes' careers limit opportunities on the island, making defections in international competitions increasingly frequent.
Frequently asked questions about the exodus of Cuban baseball players
Why did Rafael Viñales and Denis Peña decide to leave Cuba?
Rafael Viñales and Denis Peña decided to leave Cuba in search of better professional opportunities and a life free from state control. This phenomenon is part of a continuous exodus of Cuban athletes seeking to develop their careers in sports outside the constraints of the Cuban system.
How has the exodus of athletes impacted Cuban sports?
The exodus of athletes has weakened Cuban sports by creating a significant talent drain. Many sporting disciplines, including baseball, have seen their best players seek opportunities abroad, highlighting the limitations and internal issues of the Cuban sports system.
What evidence is there of the ongoing defection of Cuban baseball players in international events?
The ongoing defection of Cuban baseball players at international events highlights a disconnect between the players and the Cuban sports system. Athletes are seeking to escape poor conditions and the lack of real professional opportunities on the island, which has led to an increase in defections.
What role does Mexico play in the exodus of Cuban athletes?
Mexico has become a recurring destination for the defections of Cuban athletes, due to its geographical proximity and the opportunities it offers. The country has been the scene of multiple defections of Cuban athletes seeking to settle abroad to advance in their sports careers.
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