In pursuit of a career in Major League Baseball (MLB), the promising pitcher Ediel Ponce, who was named Rookie of the Year in the most recent Serie Nacional, has left Cuba for the Dominican Republic in the past few hours.
According to journalist Francys Romero on his digital platform Beisbol FR, the 17-year-old Ponce led the island's championship with an impressive ERA of 2.15, amassing 71 innings and 43 strikeouts. Additionally, the young pitcher was part of the Cuba Under-18 team, playing a crucial role in the Premundial held in Panama from August 2nd to 11th, where he pitched 14 innings and allowed only five hits for an average of .111.
Just days ago, the prospect Jonathan Raúl Delgado, the son and grandson of two renowned players from Sancti Spíritus, also left the country with his mother to settle in the Dominican Republic. According to Romero, Delgado is a promising 15-year-old switch-hitter who aims to sign a contract with the MLB in the future. Grandson of José Raúl Delgado and son of the late Yoanys Delgado, the teenager stands at 1.90 meters, weighs 198 pounds, and, like his predecessors, plays as a catcher.
Weeks earlier, as part of the unstoppable exodus of Cuban athletes, the young Xian Vega, son of the well-known actor Herón Vega, traveled to Nicaragua with the same goal of signing with an MLB organization.
Ediel Ponce's Departure and Cuban Baseball Exodus
With the recent departures of young Cuban athletes seeking opportunities in MLB, we've gathered some frequently asked questions to provide further insight.
Why did Ediel Ponce leave Cuba?
Ediel Ponce left Cuba to pursue a career in Major League Baseball (MLB), seeking better opportunities and professional growth in the sport.
What were Ediel Ponce's achievements in the Serie Nacional?
Ediel Ponce was named Rookie of the Year in the most recent Serie Nacional, leading the championship with an ERA of 2.15, 71 innings, and 43 strikeouts.
Who are other notable young athletes who have recently left Cuba for MLB opportunities?
In addition to Ediel Ponce, Jonathan Raúl Delgado and Xian Vega are other young athletes who have recently left Cuba with the aim of signing with MLB organizations.