Kevin Rosales, a promising young pitcher from Santiago de Cuba, has recently arrived in the United States, joining the growing ranks of athletes who have escaped the Cuban regime in search of better opportunities. This past weekend, Rosales shared a video on Instagram showing the moment he boarded a plane and landed on U.S. soil, where he was welcomed with traditional balloons and the American flag.
Although Rosales has not disclosed on social media how he managed to reach the United States or his sporting plans while there, his performance in the 63rd Cuban National Baseball Series has already made him a standout prospect. According to “Sports CHAGO” on Facebook, the pitcher achieved three wins, three losses, two saves, and struck out 16 batters. Despite his Earned Run Average (ERA) standing at 5.22, his significant contributions with Santiago de Cuba's Las Avispas team underlined his potential on the mound.
Other Cuban Baseball Talents Seeking Freedom
Rosales debuted with the Santiago team during the 2023 National Baseball Series, as reported by Cuban Baseball. He is not the only young Cuban baseball talent to make it to the United States recently. Ariel Pestano Jr., son of former Cuban team catcher Ariel Pestano, also arrived in the U.S. after waiting several months in Mexico for his CBP One interview.
In October, Raúl González Isidoria severed ties with the island's Baseball Federation by seeking political asylum at the Canada-U.S. border. Similarly, Cuban outfielder Yoisnel Camejo opted not to return to Cuba after participating in the Barcelona Baseball Cup with the Matanzas "Cocodrilos" team.