After parting ways with Cuban baseball just a few weeks ago, player Ariel Pestano Jr. is now aiming to secure a contract, with his first significant opportunity coming this weekend in Mexico. According to sports journalist Francys Romero, the 26-year-old catcher will be at the Guerreros de Oaxaca training centers on Saturday and Sunday, looking to officially join the professional system.
The son of legend Ariel Pestano, former starting catcher for Team Cuba in international competitions, will showcase his skills at the Estadio Alfredo Harp Helú in Mexico City. Currently represented by Thompson Sport Agency, Pestano Jr. also has other opportunities with teams in the Mexican Pacific League, as revealed by Romero on Facebook.
In May, despite his major national projection, Pestano Jr. requested his release from Cuban baseball to leave the country permanently. Dairon Pérez Urbano, a journalist at CMHW La Reina Radial del Centro, disclosed on Facebook that Pestano Jr. and Leandro Turiño, 32, both from the Villa Clara team, sought their release.
The young athlete recorded a batting average of .266 over six series, with an OBP of .382, 41 doubles, four triples, 11 home runs, and 83 RBIs. Meanwhile, Turiño, who bats and throws right-handed, was one of the most experienced players on the orange team, with 11 seasons in local baseball, including 2013, the last time the "Leopardos" were national champions. In 2019, Turiño moved to the Dominican Republic hoping to catch the eye of an MLB scout, but after several failed attempts, he returned to the island in 2021.
Key Questions About Ariel Pestano Jr. and His Baseball Career
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding Ariel Pestano Jr.'s career and his recent move to pursue opportunities in Mexican baseball.
Why did Ariel Pestano Jr. leave Cuban baseball?
In May, Ariel Pestano Jr. requested his release from Cuban baseball to permanently leave the country and pursue professional opportunities abroad.
What are Ariel Pestano Jr.'s career statistics?
Over six series, Ariel Pestano Jr. has a batting average of .266, an OBP of .382, 41 doubles, four triples, 11 home runs, and 83 RBIs.
Which teams in Mexico is Ariel Pestano Jr. considering?
Ariel Pestano Jr. will be trying out at the Guerreros de Oaxaca training centers and has other opportunities with teams in the Mexican Pacific League.