Cubs sign talented Cuban pitcher Ronald Lázaro Mena

Mena becomes the highest-rated pitcher in the organization during the current international period 2024-2025, a remarkable achievement considering that he arrived in the Dominican Republic just two months ago to join the prospect circuit.

Ronald Lázaro Mena (center)Photo © Facebook/Francys Romero

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The Chicago Cubs have reached an agreement with the Cuban right-handed pitcher Ronald Lázaro Mena, who is only 18 years old, reported insider Francys Romero on his social media.

Mena becomes the highest signing among pitchers in the organization for the current international period 2024-2025, a remarkable achievement considering that just two months ago he arrived in the Dominican Republic to join the prospects circuit.

The young pitcher was trained by Yuan Pino and is represented by attorney Kilenovich Escotto, who emphasize both his natural talent and the discipline with which he has adapted to high-performance training.

Two more prospects in search of the MLB dream

On August 9, it was reported that Marcos Fuentes and Alejandro Cairo, young talents of Cuban baseball, left the island for the Dominican Republic to seek contracts with Major League Baseball, following a rising trend in migration.

The right-handed pitcher Fuentes, aged 18, and the shortstop Cairo, aged 16, are currently training with the aim of joining the MLB system.

While in July, the young left-handed pitcher César Morales began his training in Santo Domingo, represented by Wasserman, one of the most prestigious agencies in the international sports arena.

The native of Villa Clara was part of the Cuba U-18 team and stood out in the National Championship of the category with an impressive record of 2-0 and an earned run average of 1.34 ERA.

Frequently Asked Questions about the signature of Ronald Lázaro Mena and the exodus of Cuban baseball players

Who is Ronald Lázaro Mena and what is his significance to the Chicago Cubs?

Ronald Lázaro Mena is an 18-year-old Cuban pitcher who was signed by the Chicago Cubs, becoming the highest signing for the organization in the international period of 2024-2025. His arrival at the Cubs is significant as it represents a promising talent that could strengthen the team in the future.

Why are so many Cuban baseball players emigrating to other countries?

The emigration of Cuban baseball players is primarily due to the lack of opportunities and low salaries in Cuba, along with the inability to negotiate contracts directly with MLB organizations. Many young talents seek to develop their professional careers in countries like the Dominican Republic and Mexico, where they can showcase their skills to MLB scouts.

What is the current situation of baseball in Cuba due to the exodus of talent?

Baseball in Cuba is facing a crisis due to the constant exodus of its best prospects, which has weakened the quality of the National Series. This situation prevents players from establishing themselves in Cuban baseball and impacts the development of the sport on the island.

How are Cuban prospects preparing to enter the MLB?

Cuban prospects like Ronald Lázaro Mena are intensively training in countries such as the Dominican Republic, where they join the prospects circuit. They are under the guidance of experienced coaches and are represented by sports agencies, which allows them to develop and showcase their talent to MLB scouts.

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CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis.