A Cuban prospect, just 15 years old, recently left the Island for the Dominican Republic, where he will seek to prepare for a transition to professional baseball in the United States. This is Carlos Adrián Hernández, a right-handed pitcher originally from Villa Clara, whose departure was reported by the specialized journalist Francys Romero through his social media.
Hernández was part of the preliminary selection for the Cuba U-15 team that participated in the World Cup of that category, held in Mérida, Mexico, from September 25 to October 4.
The young man from Villa Clara stands at 1.85 meters (six feet and one inch) and can throw speeds exceeding 90 miles per hour, traits that typically attract the attention of Major League scouts.
Your eligibility to sign with a MLB organization will arrive during the 2027-2028 international signing period, with the regular window opening on January 15, 2027, so your time in Dominican territory will be dedicated to development and physical and technical preparation on the mound.
Cuba's performance in the Under-15 World Cup in Mérida was disappointing: the team finished the group stage with a record of one win and four losses, which prevented them from advancing to the medal Super Round. The Cubans fell to the Dominican Republic (14-4), Japan (11-1 by knockout in five innings), Germany (3-2 in seven innings), and Mexico (5-4), with their only victory against South Africa (16-0).
Hernández's departure is part of a trend that has been steadily growing throughout 2026, with at least half a dozen young Cuban prospects who have chosen the Dominican Republic as a springboard to professionalism.
Among the most recent cases is Enrique Tejera, a 15-year-old catcher from Villa Clara who departed for the Dominican Republic at the beginning of September to train at Javier Rodríguez's academy, and Leandro Forteza, a 19-year-old pitcher from Sancti Spíritus who arrived in that country in September as the eighth member of the Cuba Under-18 team for 2025 to leave the Island.
Earlier, in July, the young pitcher from Holguín, Richard Bouquet, who is 17 years old and throws at speeds between 90 and 91 mph, left Cuba for a Dominican academy in pursuit of the same goal.
Some of those who have taken that path have already secured contracts: Cristian Rego, a 17-year-old pitcher from Havana, signed with the Philadelphia Phillies for $300,000, while Luis Almeida reached an agreement with the Pittsburgh Pirates for $30,000.
The Dominican Republic offers baseball academies, access to scouts, and a framework that allows prospects to meet the eligibility requirements as international free agents under MLB rules, making it the primary transit destination for Cuban talents aspiring to play in the Major Leagues.
Related videos:
Filed under: