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The young Cuban pitcher Brian Alejandro Reyes Cedeño, 18 years old, unexpectedly abandoned his contract with the St. Louis Cardinals and returned to Cuba in recent hours, reported specialized journalist Francys Romero on Facebook.
Reyes officially signed with the Major League organization on June 2, receiving a bonus of $130,000, just three months after leaving the Island on March 9 while participating in the Under-18 National Championship.
His signing happened unusually quickly, after impressing with a fastball that reached between 90 and 92 miles per hour, along with a repertoire that included a slider and a changeup.
The talent of the Matanzas right-hander made him one of the most promising prospects at the Yuan Pino Academy, which has already signed over a dozen players in the current period.
Performance and shattered expectations
During his brief stint in the Dominican Summer League in 2025, Reyes had a record of 5-1 with an ERA of 5.31, pitching 20.1 innings and recording 20 strikeouts.
Although his numbers showed fluctuations, the young player was just starting his adjustment to the demanding development system of Major League Baseball, where many prospects need time to settle in.
The news of his return to Cuba generated surprise and discontent in sports circles.
According to Romero, the player will be placed on the restricted list, a mechanism that prevents him from signing with another MLB franchise in the future.
This is the second Cuban player to leave a contract during the current international period, following Marcos Belén Pileta who did so weeks ago.
Mixed reactions
Reactions on social media came quickly.
A resident in Miami warned that this kind of decision can become a "trend," affecting young people who truly want to fight for a place in the Major Leagues.
The historic Cuban pitcher René Arocha, the first baseball player to defect from a Cuban team in the U.S. and who also played for the Cardinals, was emphatic: "Horrors will be seen."
Other fans called for sanctions to prevent these situations from happening again.
From the Dominican Republic, a user pointed out that Reyes' decision "makes things harder for those who are fighting here to secure a contract. I hope the money he took lasts long enough for him over there."
A father expressed regret that Cubans themselves end up closing doors: "This only serves to tarnish the image of Cuban baseball players and make it even more difficult for future talent from the Island to be signed."
From Orlando, another fan joked that upon returning to Cuba, Reyes will have to resign himself to playing in the National Series, "enduring hunger, power outages, and putting up with the baseball bosses in Cuba ruling over you."
A decision with consequences
Brian Reyes' reversal raises multiple questions.
His case reflects both the fragility of certain individual projects in professional baseball and the complex reality faced by young Cuban athletes, caught between the precariousness of the Serie Nacional and the demands of organized baseball in the United States.
In a sport where Cuban talent has historically shone, decisions like this generate frustration and concern among fans, coaches, and scouts, who see how the opportunities for future generations of players are being jeopardized.
Frequently asked questions about Brian Reyes' return to Cuba and the situation of Cuban baseball players
Why did Brian Reyes decide to return to Cuba?
Brian Reyes returned to Cuba after leaving his contract with the St. Louis Cardinals. Although the exact reasons for his decision have not been specified, his return reflects the complexity of the situation faced by young Cuban baseball players, who encounter challenges both on the island and within the Major League system.
What consequences does Brian Reyes face for returning to Cuba?
Upon returning to Cuba, Brian Reyes will be placed on the MLB restricted list, which means he will not be able to sign with another franchise in the future. This measure is taken to prevent Major League organizations from losing their investment in players who abandon their contracts.
Is it common for Cuban players to abandon contracts in the MLB?
Although it is not a common practice, the case of Brian Reyes is the second recent incident of a Cuban player abandoning a contract in the MLB, with the first being Marcos Belén Pileta with the Cleveland Guardians. These decisions raise concerns about the stability of agreements with Cuban players.
How does this situation affect Cuban baseball and its players?
The decision of Reyes and Pileta to return to Cuba could negatively impact the perception of Cuban players abroad. This may hinder future signings of talent from the island, as MLB organizations might be more cautious when investing in Cuban players due to the uncertainty regarding their long-term commitment.
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