The Cuban baseball player Alfredo Fadraga, who was banned for life from sports by the regime after attempting to defect in Mexico in June 2022 and had made it to the Dominican Republic, has returned to the island due to an injury that will prevent him from continuing his baseball career. The news was confirmed by sports journalist Yordano Carmona through his account on the social network X, where he said that “an arm injury prevented Alfredo Fadraga from signing with an MLB team in the Dominican Republic.”
Additionally, he assured that a source confirmed the return of the player from Ciego de Ávila to Cuban soil. In June 2022, Fadraga, along with his fellow countryman Yosvany Ávalos, left the delegation that attended the Pan-American U-23 Championship held in Aguascalientes, Mexico. They fled during the team’s night rest, having already qualified for the tournament’s semifinals.
The Cuban Baseball Federation (FCB) then labeled the young players' decision as a "reprehensible act" and accused them of turning their backs on the "commitment made to the people." Less than 24 hours later, the two players were detained by Mexican authorities and returned to the hotel where the Cuban team was staying.
As a disciplinary measure, the Cuban Federation banned them for life from national baseball tournaments. According to the digital portal Pelota Cubana en USA, in March 2023, Fadraga had been declared a free agent by the Office of the MLB Commissioner and was of interest to teams in that circuit. In fact, in September, he was even invited to earn a spot in the training sessions of the Estrellas Orientales in the LIDOM.
Now, with this unfortunate news, several questions arise about his future in sports.
FAQs about Alfredo Fadraga's Return to Cuba
Given the recent developments in Alfredo Fadraga's career, here are some frequently asked questions to provide more context and information.
Why was Alfredo Fadraga banned from baseball in Cuba?
Alfredo Fadraga was banned for life from baseball in Cuba after he attempted to defect during the Pan-American U-23 Championship in Mexico in June 2022.
What injury did Alfredo Fadraga suffer?
Alfredo Fadraga suffered an arm injury that prevented him from signing with an MLB team in the Dominican Republic.
What are the implications of Fadraga's injury for his career?
The injury has significant implications for Fadraga's career as it will prevent him from continuing to play baseball professionally, forcing his return to Cuba.