Versión Español
Spanish.- The new generation of Cuban baseball players has undergone a significant migration away from the island. With no grand farewells and just a few belongings in their suitcases, 95% of the under-15 team has individually left Havana, with no plans of returning.
The selection roster, which secured the silver medal at the world championship in its category in Sonora, Mexico, in 2022, is nearly empty following the departure of 19 out of its 20 members. This silent exodus of athletes seeking opportunities to develop their talents far from the Castro regime began last year.
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According to a report from 14yMedio, the recent departure of pitching prospect Yordan Rodríguez and outfielder Maikol Rodríguez to the Dominican Republic leaves catcher Yadiel Ruiz alone in Havana. However, whether he stays or eventually departs will not change the fact that the future of Cuban baseball looks bleak due to the exodus of its talent pool.
The trend of Cuban baseball players fleeing is on the rise, becoming more apparent as the age of those deciding to escape decreases. In 2016, the average age of those leaving was 24.4 years, a figure that has decreased to 17.9 years since 2018. The under-15 category has been particularly affected, with significant losses in previous years, such as in 2012 and 2014.
The number of defections has continued to grow since then, reaching 16 in 2016 and closing with 11 in 2018. This situation has repercussions on the international stage, as Cuba will not participate in the upcoming Caribbean Series, scheduled to begin on February 1 at LoanDepot Park, the home of the Miami Marlins.
Cuba’s exclusion is attributed not only to the Castro regime’s campaign to politicize the World Baseball Classic but also to the disappointing performance in the last Caribbean Series in 2022, where the team Los Agricultores, composed of players from Las Tunas and Granma, suffered six defeats and only managed one victory.
The defection of young Cuban baseball players is a significant blow to the Castro regime, despite its attempts to curb departures by declaring baseball a cultural heritage in 2021. This initiative, aimed at fostering commitment, was overlooked by the new generation of under-15 players who chose to depart, challenging the symbolic maneuvers of Miguel Díaz-Canel’s dictatorship.
