When the international signature period corresponding to 2025 closed on December 15, 41 players born in Cuba They managed to sign contracts with teams from the Major Leagues (MLB, for its acronym in English).
According to report from the specialized site Full Swingthe figure includes the incorporations agreed upon since January 15 of this year, and ratifies the interest of the Major League franchises in Cuban talent.
For some time now, attention has been drawn to the increasingly younger age at which players, supported by their family, separate themselves from the Cuban sports system to embark on their own on the path of their dreams.
The vast majority of Cuban players who have headed to the MLB lack experience in the National Baseball Series, and come from the most recent national teams in the children’s and youth categories.
Various factors weigh on this decision, ranging from the economic crisis that the island is experiencing to the lack of institutional means to undertake this process, after the cancellation of the agreement that the Cuban Baseball and Softball Federation (FCBS) and the MLB.
Also influencing, to a large extent, is the lack of incentives for players to reach their highest level within a country that is going through a rampant economic crisis that affects the entire structure of the sport.
According to statistics compiled by journalist Francys Romero, there are more than a thousand players from 24 nations who during the most recent international signing period obtained a contract with a Major League team.
Among all the franchises, the Boston Red Sox and the Philadelphia Phillies were the most active in the market, closing agreements with 48 prospects each.
Although the figure has been increasing in recent years, Cuba remains behind other Caribbean powers, such as Mexico, Venezuela and the Dominican Republic.
Cubans signed in 2025
Kevin Álvarez (Houston), Luis Morejón (Colorado), Yoslaniel Hernández (Pittsburgh), Anthony Santa Cruz de Oviedo (Angels), Naykel Cruz (Baltimore), Briam Reyes (Cardinals), Héctor Cabrera (Cardinals), Yordy Madariaga (Phillies), Osniel Castillo (White Sox), Lázaro Ronald Mena (Cubs), Diego Tornes (Braves), Meykel Baro (Baltimore), Kadil Rubio (Tampa), Eduardo Guillén (Phillies), Cristhian Duarte (Toronto), Rey Cruz (Phillies), Alejandro Cruz (White Sox), Maikol Rodríguez (Seattle), Miguel Neira (Texas), Alexander Valiente (Toronto), Yordan Rodríguez (Athletics), Roilan Portuondo (Pittsburgh), Adriano Marrero (Marlins), Yunior Villavicencio (Baltimore), Alex Rodríguez (Texas), Liordanys Menéndez (Angels), Cristhian Espinosa (Phillies), Ricardo Fernández (Cardinals), Marcos Belen Pileta (Cleveland), Luis Fonseca (Toronto), Marcos Argudín (Texas), Ronald Terrero (Baltimore), Yulian Quintana (Pittsburgh), Yobal Rodríguez (White Sox), Yeison Acosta (Baltimore), Luis Mantilla (Braves), Roberto Peña (Mets), Yuaxander Silveira (Houston), Andey Garrido (Cardinals), Alieski Torres (Toronto), Alejandro Bustamante (Brewers).
Source: www.pelotacubanausa.com
