The right-handed pitcher Marcos Fuentes, 18 years old, and the shortstop Alejandro Cairo, 16, left Cuba in recent days heading to the Dominican Republic in search of signing with a Major League organization.
The right-handed pitcher Marcos Fuentes (18) left Cuba in the last few hours, heading to the Dominican Republic in search of signing with an MLB organization,” reported journalist Francys Romero on Facebook on Friday.
The reporter specified that "Fuentes is originally from Sancti Spíritus and has reached between 90-91 MPH in recent months on the island. He has the curve, slider, changeup, and splitter in his repertoire."
"It will be coached by Lázaro Medina in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic," he added.
One day prior, Romero announced that the shortstop Alejandro Cairo also left Cuba heading for the Dominican Republic with the same goal.
"Cairo is an ambidextrous contact hitter with speed who can generate power and play in multiple positions. He batted .364 AVG in the 2024 U-15 National Championship with Havana," he specified.
The exodus of young prospects from the island to the Dominican Republic continues unabated. At the end of July, Romero reported on the departure of the talented left-handed pitcher César Jesús Morales, who is only 18 years old.
Morales was part of the island's team that competed in the U-18 Pre-World Championship in 2024 in Panama, where he showcased his potential as one of the most promising pitchers of his generation.
Weeks earlier, it was known that Leonardo Moreira Herrera, a young pitcher from Guantánamo and a prominent figure in the pitching staff of the Ciego de Ávila Tigers, was following the same path.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Exodus of Cuban Prospects to MLB
Why are young baseball prospects from Cuba leaving the island?
Cuban baseball's young prospects are leaving the island primarily in search of opportunities to sign with Major League Baseball (MLB) organizations. The lack of opportunities in Cuba, low salaries, and the inability to negotiate independently with foreign franchises are key factors driving this exodus. Many young athletes see countries like the Dominican Republic and Mexico as a platform to showcase their talents to MLB scouts.
Who are the latest Cuban prospects to leave the island?
The latest Cuban prospects to leave the island are right-handed pitcher Marcos Fuentes and shortstop Alejandro Cairo. Fuentes, 18 years old, and Cairo, 16, have departed for the Dominican Republic with the goal of signing with an MLB organization. Previously, other players like César Morales and Leonardo Moreira Herrera have also taken this path.
What impact does the departure of these prospects have on Cuban baseball?
The departure of these prospects significantly undermines the quality of the National Baseball Series in Cuba. By constantly losing their top talents even before they have a chance to establish themselves, Cuban baseball is facing a crisis that impacts not only the performance of the national league but also the development of the sport on the island.
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