promising Cuban Pitcher Ángel Fernández Seeks Opportunities in MLB
The ongoing departure of talented baseball players from Cuba continues with the recent move of right-handed pitcher Ángel Fernández to the Dominican Republic. The 17-year-old has signed a contract with an association within Major League baseball (MLB), seeking to begin his professional career.
Fernández, hailing from Santa Clara, Villa Clara, has quickly established himself as one of Cuba’s brightest young pitching prospects. Standing 6 feet 3 inches tall, he consistently throws around 90 miles per hour, a notable velocity for his age that has attracted attention from international scouts.
His performance in national championships at the U-15 and U-18 levels demonstrates his potential. Fernández boasts a record of 10 wins and 120 strikeouts across 102 innings pitched. he played a crucial role in Villa Clara’s victory at the 2024 U-18 National Championship, throwing 17 innings with 22 strikeouts and allowing only one run.
According to reports from journalist Francys Romero, shared on social media, Fernández will be eligible to sign a professional contract during the 2024-2025 international period and is expected to join a united States minor league system.
Fernández’s departure highlights a larger trend of Cuban baseball players leaving the island in search of better opportunities and a more stable future. This exodus is impacting the quality of competition within Cuba’s Serie Nacional and contributing to the nation’s declining performance in international baseball events. Despite attempts by the Cuban government to address the situation through local tournaments and foreign league agreements, the loss of top talent continues, driven by limited growth opportunities and a lack of economic stability within the Cuban sports system.
Fernández’s story exemplifies the situation facing manny young Cuban baseball players: individuals honed under challenging conditions who seek the freedom and platform to compete at the highest levels of the sport. With his move, Cuba loses another promising athlete.