A promising 15-year-old Cuban pitcher has recently left the island for the Dominican Republic, aiming to prepare himself for a leap into professional baseball in the United States. Carlos Adrián Hernández, a right-handed pitcher from Villa Clara, was reported to have made this move by sports journalist Francys Romero on social media.
Hernández was part of the Cuban Under-15 pre-selection team that competed in the World Cup held in Mérida, Mexico, from September 25 to October 4. Standing at 6 feet 1 inch tall, the young athlete boasts pitching speeds over 90 mph, traits that typically attract the attention of Major League Baseball scouts.
Building a Future in Baseball
Hernández's eligibility to sign with an MLB team will come during the international signing period of 2027-2028, which officially begins on January 15, 2027. His time in the Dominican Republic will be focused on developing his physical and technical skills on the mound.
Cuba's performance in the Mérida Under-15 World Cup was disappointing, as the team ended the group stage with a record of one win and four losses, failing to advance to the medal rounds. The Cuban squad suffered defeats against the Dominican Republic (14-4), Japan (11-1 by knockout in five innings), Germany (3-2 in seven innings), and Mexico (5-4), securing their only victory against South Africa (16-0).
A Growing Trend Among Cuban Prospects
Hernández's departure is part of an ongoing trend throughout 2026, where at least half a dozen Cuban prospects have chosen the Dominican Republic as a springboard to professionalism. Recent examples include Enrique Tejera, a 15-year-old catcher from Villa Clara who left for the Dominican Republic in early September to train at Javier Rodríguez's academy, and Leandro Forteza, a 19-year-old pitcher from Sancti Spíritus who arrived in September as the eighth member of the 2025 Cuban Under-18 team to leave the island.
Previously, in July, Holguín pitcher Richard Bouquet, aged 17, with a fastball ranging between 90 and 91 mph, departed Cuba for a Dominican academy with the same objective in mind.
Some who have taken this path have already secured contracts: Cristian Rego, a 17-year-old Havana pitcher, signed with the Philadelphia Phillies for $300,000, while Luis Almeida reached a deal with the Pittsburgh Pirates for $30,000.
Dominican Republic: A Gateway to the MLB
The Dominican Republic offers baseball academies, access to scouts, and an environment that allows prospects to meet eligibility requirements as international free agents under MLB rules. This makes it the primary transit destination for Cuban talent aspiring to reach the Major Leagues.
Understanding the Path to MLB for Cuban Players
Why are Cuban players moving to the Dominican Republic?
Cuban players are relocating to the Dominican Republic to access baseball academies, scouts, and a system that allows them to qualify as international free agents under MLB rules, which is not feasible in Cuba.
When can Carlos Adrián Hernández sign with an MLB team?
Carlos Adrián Hernández will be eligible to sign with an MLB organization during the international signing period of 2027-2028, starting January 15, 2027.
What was Cuba's performance like in the Under-15 World Cup?
Cuba's performance in the Under-15 World Cup was below expectations, finishing with one win and four losses, which prevented them from advancing to the medal rounds.