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The Cuban reliever Franco Alemán is having a dream season in Triple-A for 2026 and remains dominant while waiting for a call-up from the Cleveland Guardians to the Major Leagues.
This Saturday, according to the specialized site Pelota Cubana, the 25-year-old right-handed pitcher recorded his second save of the season by completing the ninth inning in the 5-3 victory of the Columbus Clippers over the Toledo Mud Hens, using 23 pitches—12 strikes—and reaching a maximum speed of 98.4 MPH.
So far this season, Alemán has pitched 11.0 innings without allowing a single earned run, resulting in an ERA of 0.00, with 17 strikeouts, a WHIP of 0.64, and an opposing batting average of just .083.
He has only issued four walks throughout the campaign, a sign of control that complements his power on the mound.
Born in Sancti Spíritus, Alemán arrived in the United States with his family at the age of 11 and was fully trained in the American sports system, going through Braulio Alonso High School in Tampa and playing college baseball before being selected by the then Cleveland Indians in the 10th round of the 2021 MLB Draft, with a signing bonus of $175,000.
This profile sets him apart from most Cuban players who arrive in the Major Leagues as adult defectors from the National Series.
His journey in the minor leagues has not been linear. In 2025, he underwent surgery for a hernia that severely impacted his performance: he finished with an ERA of 7.85 in 37 appearances with Columbus.
However, the organization never lost faith in him: in November 2024, he was added to the 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft, a clear indication of Cleveland's long-term plans.
Alemán's response in 2026 has been impressive. His current numbers are reminiscent of his best previous season, when in 2024 he recorded an ERA of 1.99 over 22.2 innings with 34 strikeouts and two saves in Triple-A.
The Guardians have heavily invested in Cuban prospects in recent years. In January 2026, they signed Loidel Amaya and Karell Naranjo, and they also have left-handed pitcher Miguel Flores in their system, who extended his scoreless innings streak to 13 in the minor leagues last April.
Alemán measures 1.98 meters and weighs 235 pounds, with a sinker that ranges between 94 and 98 MPH, complemented by a slider—an arsenal that makes him one of the most dominant relievers in the International League in 2026.
With a perfect ERA over 11 innings and performances like the one on Saturday, the Cuban from Sancti Spíritus is establishing himself as the strongest candidate from the Cleveland organization to receive a call-up to the Major Leagues in the coming weeks.
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