The baseball prospect from Sancti Spíritus, Jonathan Raúl Delgado, son and grandson of two prominent players from that province, recently left the country with his mother to settle in the Dominican Republic.
According to journalist Francys Romero on his website, Jonathan Raúl Delgado is a promising 15-year-old switch-hitter whose future goal is to sign a contract with Major League Baseball (MLB). Grandson of José Raúl Delgado and son of the late Yoanys Delgado, the teenager stands 1.90 meters tall, weighs 198 pounds, and, like his predecessors, plays as a catcher.
It was in the Dominican Republic where Jonathan Raúl participated this past March with the national U-15 team in the Pre-World Championship, in which the Cuban team did not qualify for the World Championship in their category. "Delgado had a limited role due to being one of the youngest on the team but showed his talent with an inside-the-park home run and switch-hitting," Romero noted.
The journalist added that the teenager "can play multiple positions defensively, which is crucial in modern baseball," and highlighted that "he can play in the outfield, third base, and as a catcher." Out of the Cuban team that participated in the U-15 Pre-World Championship, six players, including Jonathan, have already left the island.
His grandfather, José Raúl Delgado, was a catcher for twenty seasons in the National Series and was part of the Cuban team from 1989 to 1993, winning a gold medal at the 1992 Barcelona Olympics. Regarding his father, Yoanny Delgado, Francys Romero noted that "he was another great talent at a young age who couldn't solidify his place in the National Series with Sancti Spíritus." Yoanny Delgado passed away in September 2021 after battling Covid-19 for several days.
Jonathan Raúl is also related to the famous Gurriel family, one of the most prominent families in Cuban baseball, who are his cousins. "Jonathan Raúl should continue to progress with more professional and specialized training in the Dominican Republic," said Romero, who added that the most important aspect for talents like him is having the opportunity and time to refine their skills. "Delgado now begins a long journey. Neither his grandfather nor his father could sign with an MLB franchise. Now, the young prospect will try to forge a different path," he concluded.
The young player will be eligible to sign with an MLB organization starting January 15, 2026.
Jonathan Raúl Delgado's Journey and Prospects
Here are some frequently asked questions about Jonathan Raúl Delgado's recent move and his future in baseball.
Why did Jonathan Raúl Delgado leave Cuba?
Jonathan Raúl Delgado left Cuba with his mother to settle in the Dominican Republic, where he aims to pursue a professional baseball career and ultimately sign a contract with a Major League Baseball team.
What positions can Jonathan Raúl Delgado play?
Jonathan Raúl Delgado is versatile defensively and can play as a catcher, in the outfield, and at third base, which is highly valuable in modern baseball.
When will Jonathan Raúl Delgado be eligible to sign with an MLB team?
Jonathan Raúl Delgado will be eligible to sign with a Major League Baseball organization starting January 15, 2026.