After abandoning his contract with the Quebec Capitales of the Canadian Frontier League, Cuban baseball player Guillermo García has arrived in the Dominican Republic, aiming to join the Major League Baseball system. According to sports journalist Francys Romero on his website Béisbol FR, García, the grandson of Revolutionary Commander Guillermo García Frías, flew from North America to the Caribbean island.
At 24 years old, García made a name for himself at a young age with the Alazanes de Granma in the Serie Nacional, drawing the attention of the Chunichi Dragons of Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball (NPB). Under the auspices of the Cuban Baseball Federation, García and the Japanese club signed a deal for the 2022 and 2023 seasons, although he mostly played in the farm system.
Following the Path of Other Cuban Players
Romero noted that García is following in the footsteps of Yariel Rodríguez and Pedro Revilla, who also left Chunichi to seek professional contracts in the Dominican Republic. In the Canadian league, García, who plays both first base and the outfield, posted a .299 average, with seven doubles and four home runs among his extra-base hits, along with 20 runs scored and 29 RBIs in 39 games.
According to Diario de Cuba, "the interest of a grandson of a historic figure of the Cuban regime in playing what Fidel Castro called 'slave baseball' is undeniably contradictory. However, it could also signify a strategy by the government to have players in the world's best league for future national teams."
The exodus of Cuban baseball players shows no sign of stopping. Recently, two young talents also settled in the Dominican Republic, aspiring to sign with Major League organizations. William Alejandro Álvarez, 14, and Lázaro Herrera Jr., 13, are already training at the G&T Baseball Academy in Punta Cana with that goal in mind, Romero reported.
Additionally, promising pitcher Ediel Ponce, Rookie of the Year in the last Serie Nacional, left the island, while established pitcher José Ramón Rodríguez recently requested and was granted his release from the Cuban sports system.
Understanding the Exodus of Cuban Baseball Players
Here are some frequently asked questions about the recent trend of Cuban baseball players leaving for the Dominican Republic.
Why are many Cuban baseball players moving to the Dominican Republic?
Many Cuban baseball players move to the Dominican Republic to seek professional contracts with Major League Baseball organizations, as the island offers better opportunities and exposure.
What is the significance of Guillermo García's move to the Dominican Republic?
Guillermo García's move is significant because he is the grandson of a prominent Cuban Revolutionary figure, which adds a layer of complexity and contradiction to his decision to play in what the Cuban regime has historically criticized.
Are there other notable Cuban players who have made similar moves?
Yes, players like Yariel Rodríguez and Pedro Revilla have also left their teams to seek professional contracts in the Dominican Republic, highlighting a growing trend among Cuban athletes.