List of baseball players who defected from Cuba explained
This is a list of baseball players who defected from Cuba, consisting of Cuban baseball players who have defected since the beginning of Fidel Castro's presidency.
Background
Prior to the Cuban Revolution, which saw Castro rise to power in 1959, Cuban-born players often played in the American Negro leagues and in Major League Baseball (MLB). Following the revolution, U.S.-Cuba relations became strained, and Castro ended professional baseball in Cuba (the Cuban League) and forbade Cuban players to play abroad.
Some players defected during the Cold War. Rogelio Álvarez, who debuted in MLB in 1960, was barred from continuing his professional career in the United States, and defected from Cuba through Mexico in 1963. Bárbaro Garbey left Cuba in the Mariel boatlift in 1980. After the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991, Cuba's economy struggled badly and faced severe repercussions from the embargo. Baseball players began to seek careers in MLB due to the high salaries. In 1991, René Arocha defected. He was followed by Rey Ordóñez in 1993. Rolando Arrojo defected during the 1996 Summer Olympics, which were held in the United States. The Cuban government treats attempted defectors as disloyal, which led to increased defections. Orlando Hernández was loyal to Cuba, until they banned him from the national team following the defection of his half-brother, Liván.
Players attempting to play in MLB often choose not to defect to the United States or Canada, because establishing residency there subjects them to the Major League Baseball draft. By defecting to another nation, they can be considered international free agents.[1]
In 2008, Joe Kehoskie, a former baseball agent who represented several dozen Cuban players, told author Michael Lewis, "There’s at least half a billion dollars of baseball players in Cuba right now and probably a lot more."[2] By the end of 2014, approximately 30 subsequent Cuban defectors had signed MLB contracts totaling just under $500 million.[3] [4] [5]
The largest contract given to a Cuban defector was outfielder Rusney Castillo's seven-year contract with the Boston Red Sox, signed in 2014, worth $72.5 million.[6] First baseman José Dariel Abreu signed a six-year contract worth $68 million with the Chicago White Sox in 2013.[7] The largest contract given to a pitcher was the $32 million the New York Yankees gave to José Contreras in 2002, while the Cincinnati Reds signed Aroldis Chapman for $30.25 million in 2010.[8]
While some players who defected have obtained multimillion-dollar contracts to play in MLB, many received only minor-league contracts and did not reach MLB, and many others didn't sign contracts at all.[9] [10] Players who defect are often separated from their families, leading to severed relationships, such as between Jorge Toca and the mother of his son.
In late 2018, an agreement was reached between MLB, the Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA), and the Baseball Federation of Cuba. The agreement created a legal path for Cuban baseball players to sign with MLB teams without having to defect.[11] However, the Trump administration declared the agreement illegal and revoked it in April 2019.[12] Since then, players have continued to defect, such as Lázaro Blanco in 2021.[13]
List
See also
Notes and References
- Web site: With an array of skills, Cuban defector Leonys Martin nearly ready for Rangers | Dallasnews.com — News for Dallas, Texas — SportsDayDFW . Dallasnews.com . August 5, 2011 . March 31, 2013.
- News: Lewis. Michael. Commie Ball: A Journey to the End of a Revolution. 18 September 2011. Vanity Fair. July 2008.
- News: Baxter . Kevin . Bennett . Brian . In booming marketplace for Cuban players, Puig's tale far from unique . 26 April 2014 . Los Angeles Times . 26 April 2014 . https://web.archive.org/web/20140521004255/https://www.latimes.com/local/la-me-cuban-players-20140427-story.html#page=1 . 21 May 2014.
- Web site: Rusney Castillo Agrees To Seven-Year, $72.5 Million Deal With Red Sox . CBS Boston . CBS Boston . 22 August 2014 . 22 August 2014.
- Web site: Diamondbacks land Yasmany Tomas . ESPN.com . 26 November 2014 . 26 November 2014.
- Web site: Red Sox Agree To Seven-Year Deal With Rusney Castillo. Weei.com . August 22, 2014 . August 22, 2014.
- Web site: Source: White Sox have deal with Cuban slugger Abreu. MLB.com . October 18, 2013 . October 19, 2012.
- News: Mark Sheldon. Cuban star Chapman joins Reds | MLB.com: News. Mlb.mlb.com. January 10, 2010. August 30, 2010. January 19, 2010. https://web.archive.org/web/20100119141523/http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100110&content_id=7896508&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb. dead.
- News: Talbott . Chris . Defection no guarantee of success for Cuban baseball players in U.S. - USATODAY.com . Usatoday30.usatoday.com . September 12, 2007 . March 31, 2013.
- News: Eden . Scott . The Lost Prospects of Cuba . 20 June 2017 . ESPN The Magazine . 20 June 2017.
- Web site: MLB, MLBPA reach deal with Cuban Federation . . December 19, 2018.
- News: Trump administration cancels Major League Baseball deal with Cuba . Karen . DeYoung . . April 8, 2019 . August 27, 2023.
- News: Lázaro Blanco, Caballo de Hierro del pitcheo de Cuba, se queda en Miami. El Nuevo Herald. 4 June 2021. Jorge. Ebro. es. 5 June 2021.
- Web site: Jorge . Ebro . El pelotero cubano José Dariel Abreu abandona la isla — Deportes . ElNuevoHerald.com . es . August 12, 2013 . January 15, 2014.
- News: Cuban Defector Finds Team, Ending an 18-Month Wait. Jack. Curry. Jack Curry. The New York Times. September 8, 2005. March 14, 2013.
- Web site: Two top Cuban prospects near MLB free agency | MLB.com: News . Mlb.mlb.com . May 24, 2013 . January 15, 2014.
- News: Proquest — Courant.com . https://archive.today/20120714121558/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/courant/access/948463362.html?dids=948463362:948463362&FMT=CITE&FMTS=CITE:AI&type=historic&date=Mar+06,+1963&author=&pub=Hartford+Courant&desc=Alvarez+of+Nats+Able+to+Quit+Cuba+After+Mexican+Government+Intercedes&pqatl=google . dead . July 14, 2012 . Pqasb.pqarchiver.com . March 6, 1963 . March 31, 2013.
- Web site: How the Houston Astros nabbed slugger Yordan Alvarez from the Dodgers. Los Angeles Times. July 6, 2019.
- News: November 10, 1996 . Defector Declined Help Before — New York Times . . April 1, 2013.
- Web site: Jorge Ebro . El cubano Leslie Anderson ya puede negociar con los equipos de Grandes Ligas — Deportes . ElNuevoHerald.com . March 31, 2013.
- Web site: After escaping Cuba, overcoming COVID, Randy Arozarena's performance shouldn't shock us. USA Today. Bob. Nightengale. October 8, 2020.
- Web site: Passan . Jeff. Jeff Passan . Cuban Arguelles agrees to deal with Royals — MLB — Yahoo! Sports . Sports.yahoo.com . December 5, 2009 . September 22, 2010.
- Web site: Defensive Wizard Erisbel Arruebarruena Leaves Cuba . BaseballAmerica.com . January 15, 2014.
- https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=1RtVAAAAIBAJ&sjid=dj0NAAAAIBAJ&pg=3374,4238617&dq=rolando-arrojo+defect&hl=en Reading Eagle – Google News Archive Search
- Web site: Mandy Housenick . Making a pitch for freedom — Morning Call . Articles.mcall.com . March 10, 2010 . March 31, 2013.
- Web site: Angels sign Cuban infielder Roberto Baldoquin for $8 million — HardballTalk. nbcsports.com. November 4, 2014. December 11, 2014.
- Web site: Cuban catcher Bello cleared by MLB . Sportsnet.ca . January 15, 2014.
- News: Mariners' Betancourt can't leave journey from Cuba behind. The Seattle Times. April 13, 2009 . Greg . Bishop . March 15, 2007.
- Web site: Todd . Jeff . May 29, 2016 . Outfielder Dairon Blanco Leaves Cuba To Pursue MLB Career . 2022-05-21 . MLB Trade Rumors .
- News: Los peloteros cubanos Lázaro Blanco y Andy Rodríguez tramitan el asilo político en EE UU . 14 y Medio . September 6, 2021 . September 22, 2021.
- News: Defector just looking for a chance: Cuban Bárbaro Cañizares, who is playing in Nicaragua, wants the opportunity to show he can play in the major leagues. Kevin . Baxter. Miami Herald. 3D. December 12, 2005. April 12, 2013.
- Web site: DDC . Escapan los peloteros Daniel Carbonell (Camagüey) y Orlando Pérez (Industriales) . Diario de Cuba . April 22, 2014.
- News: 'O' what a relief . Jeff. Evans. The Bakersfield Californian. D1 . August 7, 2008 . March 27, 2014.
- Web site: Pitcher Diosdany Castillo Flees Cuba, Training in Mexico. Havana Times.org. August 29, 2014. November 27, 2014.
- Web site: Defection Of Top Cuban Outfielder Rusney Castillo Could Shake Up Free Agent Market . BaseballAmerica.com . January 15, 2014.
- News: NewsBank for PBP | www.palmbeachpost.com . Nl.newsbank.com . March 31, 2013.
- Web site: Geisel Cepeda Stats, Fantasy, & News . mlb.com . February 14, 2023.
- Web site: Céspedes brothers reunite, prepare for Majors. MLB.com.
- Web site: Passan. Jeff . Jeff Passan. Talented Cuban defector Cespedes is an odd sight — MLB — Yahoo! Sports . Sports.yahoo.com . November 9, 2011.
- Web site: Ebro. Jorge. Pelotero cubano que se quedó del equipo Sub 23 en México ya tiene vía libre para buscar pacto de Grandes Ligas . El Nuevo Herald . January 5, 2022.
- Web site: Life just beginning for Cuban pitching phenom Aroldis Chapman — ESPN . . November 1, 2009 . March 31, 2013.
- Web site: 'Cuban Ohtani' pursuing path to MLB. en. MLB.com. January 3, 2020. June 12, 2024.
- News: Cuban left-hander Gerardo Concepcion declared a free agent, player agent says . ESPN.com . ESPN. January 18, 2012 . February 1, 2012.
- Web site: ESPN.com: MLB — Contreras agrees to $32M deal with Yankees . . July 18, 2003 . March 31, 2013.
- Web site: Defected Cuban player might be joining his wife in U.S. . princegeorgecitizen.com . August 23, 2013 . August 25, 2014 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20140827062705/http://www.princegeorgecitizen.com/news/local/defected-cuban-player-might-be-joining-his-wife-in-u-s-1.1033904 . August 27, 2014 .
- Web site: Odrisamer Despaigne, Cuban pitcher, defects while in Europe, according to report — ESPN . Espn.go.com . July 2, 2013 . January 15, 2014.
- News: Prest . Ashley . And that one is... JUAN GONE! . Winnipeg Free Press . August 7, 2009 . April 1, 2013.
- Web site: Straight out of Cuba: Yandy Diaz, Leandro Linares signed with Cleveland Indians after defecting together. Cleveland Plain Dealer. Paul. Hoynes. March 18, 2017. April 6, 2017.
- Web site: Defecting for a chance: Mavs pitcher Elias left Cuba to chase dream of playing in MLB. July 17, 2012. Kyle. Glaser. vv.dailypress.com. April 5, 2013.
- News: Melissa Segura . Growing up a street apart in Cuba, best friends Yunel - 04.28.08 - SI Vault . Sportsillustrated.cnn.com . April 28, 2008 . March 31, 2013.
- Web site: Juan C. . Rodriguez . Miami Marlins: Top prospect Jose Fernandez credits personal pitching coach Orlando Chinea for speedy ascent to majors . Sun Sentinel . April 2, 2013 . April 5, 2013 . April 6, 2013 . https://web.archive.org/web/20130406075020/http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2013-04-02/sports/fl-marlins-fernandez-0403-20130402_1_orlando-chinea-tampa-alonso-high-school-cuba . dead .
- Web site: Adams . Steve . Second baseman Jose Miguel Fernandez leaves Cuba, seeks MLB deal . MLB Trade Rumors . December 2, 2015 . December 2, 2015.
- News: Charlotte: Search Results . July 31, 1995.
- News: Weir . Tom . USATODAY.com — Cuban ballplayers remember Garbey . Usatoday30.usatoday.com . July 6, 2005 . March 31, 2013.
- Web site: Blog | Baseball America Prospects Blog | Adonis Garcia Not Eligible To Sign, Onelkis Garcia Still Waiting . Baseball America . September 2, 2011 . May 2, 2012.
- Web site: Outfielder Jose Adolis Garcia Leaves Cuba. Baseball America. Ben. Badler. August 30, 2016. February 25, 2017.
- Web site: Dodgers' draft choice Onelki Garcia chasing a dream. June 15, 2012.
- News: Dylan . Hernandez . Dodgers eyeing Cuban pitcher Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez . Los Angeles Times . June 6, 2013 . January 15, 2014.
- News: Strauss, Ben . Star Brothers Are Apparently the Latest to Defect From Cuba . The New York Times . February 8, 2016 . June 14, 2016.
- Web site: Dodgers may be favorite for Cuban shortstop Alexander Guerrero | MLB.com: News . Mlb.mlb.com . July 23, 2013 . January 15, 2014.
- Web site: Two Cubans playing in Caribbean Series defect . USA Today . February 4, 2015 . June 29, 2016.
- News: King . George A. . Yankees target Cuban SS as Jeter's heir . NYPOST.com . February 13, 2010 . June 2, 2010.
- Web site: Cuban MLB players who fled the island hope no one else has to. Will Trump and Rubio play ball? .
- Web site: Baseball News — Adrian Hernandez defected from Cuba — Cuba Culture News . Havana Journal . March 10, 2004 . https://web.archive.org/web/20160415073954/http://havanajournal.com/culture/entry/baseball_news_adrian_hernandez_defected_from_cuba/ . April 1, 2013. April 15, 2016 .
- https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=2R1OAAAAIBAJ&sjid=Bu0DAAAAIBAJ&pg=6732,259773&dq=livan-hernandez+defect&hl=en The Deseret News – Google News Archive Search
- News: MURRAY CHASSPublished: December 31, 1997 . BASEBALL; Brother of Hernandez, Hero of Series, Flees Cuba — New York Times . . December 31, 1997 . March 31, 2013.
- News: Herrera's next journey daunting, too — Pittsburgh Post-Gazette . Post-gazette.com . January 9, 2007 . April 1, 2013.
- Web site: Right-handed pitcher Dalier Hinojosa of Cuba defects, petitioning MLB to become free agent | MLB.com: News . Mlb.mlb.com . June 18, 2013 . July 16, 2013.
- Web site: Cuban second baseman Andy Ibanez defects to sign with MLB team — HardballTalk. October 27, 2014. January 6, 2015.
- Web site: Righthander Raisel Iglesias Leaves Cuba . BaseballAmerica.com . January 15, 2014.
- Web site: Three's Company / The Miami Herald — Cuba News / Noticias — CubaNet News . Cubanet.org . April 1, 2013 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20050524220211/http://www.cubanet.org/CNews/y02/jun02/04e4.htm . May 24, 2005 . mdy-all .
- Web site: Diaz. Yusseff. Colorado Rockies: Dyan Yamel Jorge, a young Alexei Ramirez . May 2, 2020 . Fansided . January 11, 2022.
- Web site: Cuban defector Raudel Lazo opening eyes at Marlins camp | Fish Tank - Miami Marlins . September 2, 2015 . September 5, 2015 . https://web.archive.org/web/20150905190253/http://marlins.blog.palmbeachpost.com/2013/02/17/cuban-defector-raudel-lazo-opening-eyes-at-marlins-camp/ . dead .
- Web site: Diamondbacks take calculated risk with Cuban right-hander Yoan Lopez.
- Web site: Yadel Marti and Yasser Gomez defect from Cuba — ESPN . . December 29, 2008 . March 31, 2013.
- Web site: Foul Territory: Sources: Rangers attempting to sign Cuban outfielder . Sportsblogs.star-telegram.com . April 6, 2011 . August 19, 2011.
- Web site: Report: Rangers Agree to Contract with Cuban Prospect Julio Pablo Martinez. Adam Wells. Bleacher Report. March 6, 2018. June 12, 2024.
- Web site: The Miami Herald . Star pitcher Maya emigrates – illegally | Cuban Colada . Miamiherald.typepad.com . March 31, 2013 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20120301145445/http://miamiherald.typepad.com/cuban_colada/2009/09/star-pitcher-maya-emigrates-illegally.html . March 1, 2012 . mdy-all .
- News: Marc Delucchi. SF Giants sign Cuban pitching prospect Ubert Mejías for $200,000 signing bonus . si.com . February 14, 2022.
- Web site: Sons of Cuban baseball legend leave island. Jesse Sanchez. MLB.com. May 11, 2018. September 24, 2019.
- Web site: Cuba News / The Miami Herald — CubaNet News — Noticias de Cuba / Cuba News . Cubanet.org . January 15, 2014 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20140116143451/http://www.cubanet.org/CNews/y05/feb05/28e7.htm . January 16, 2014 . mdy-all .
- https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=a_8gAAAAIBAJ&sjid=inQFAAAAIBAJ&pg=1280,1876855&dq=andy-morales+norwich&hl=en The Day – Google News Archive Search
- News: Prospecto de beisbol cubano desertó en México . Excelsior . September 22, 2021 . September 22, 2021.
- News: Rojas, Enrique. Hitting on all cylinders, all shores . ESPNDeportes.com . September 21, 2009 . October 26, 2009.
- Web site: Top MLB International Prospects 2018.
- Web site: Yankees sign Yadil Mujica — River Avenue Blues . Riveraveblues.com . February 23, 2011 . March 27, 2014.
- Web site: Yankees prospect Ronnier Mustelier misses son after defecting from Cuba . Newsday . March 2, 2013 . August 6, 2018.
- News: Miami Herald: Search Results . October 19, 1995.
- Web site: Hector Olivera Leaves Cuba. BaseballAmerica.com. January 6, 2015.
- Web site: Escapa de Cuba el estelar pelotero Héctor Olivera. January 6, 2015. September 26, 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140926125258/http://cafefuerte.com/deportes/18080-escapa-de-cuba-el-estelar-pelotero-hector-olivera. dead.
- http://www.baseballamerica.com/international/jorge-ona-leaves-cuba/#uMHKdW5b6hwhWGR2.97 Jorge Ona, No. 6 Cuban Player, Leaves Cuba
- News: JAMES C. McKINLEY JrPublished: April 25, 1999 . WHAT PRICE GLORY?: A special report.; Cuban Players Defect, but Often With a Cost — New York Times . . April 25, 1999 . March 31, 2013.
- News: A Winning Team — Los Angeles Times . Articles.latimes.com . July 16, 1996 . April 1, 2013.
- Web site: When Baseball Hits Home: Hassan Pena fled Cuba five years ago for a better life in the U.S.. PennLive.com. July 26, 2010. January 6, 2015.
- News: JENNIFER FREY . Deceptive Practices : Prieto Played His Way Out of Cuba and Into the Major Leagues . Los Angeles Times . October 27, 2007 . March 31, 2013.
- News: Alyssa Varas-Martinez. Cuba Lost the World Baseball Classic Semifinals—and a Player—to the U.S.. Reason . March 20, 2023 . March 21, 2023.
- Web site: Cuban outfielder Puig defects | MLB.com: News . Mlb.mlb.com . June 19, 2012 . June 28, 2012.
- News: Jimenez . Manuel . Top Cuban baseball player defects . Reuters . September 21, 2007 . March 31, 2013.
- News: Llegó A Miami tras cruzar la frontera popular pelotero de Industriales . Swing Completo . September 2, 2021 . September 22, 2021.
- Web site: Juan Pérez. Homepage of Victor Rivas, Cuban baseball player. Victor Rivas. November 8, 2015. November 9, 2015.
- News: James Wagner . Cuba's W.B.C. Team Is Notable for Who Is There, and Who Isn't . The New York Times . The New York Times . March 9, 2023.
- News: Daring escape brought Dragons catcher to America Cuban-born Eddy Rodriguez and his family crossed stormy seas on a small fishing boat in 1993. https://web.archive.org/web/20140611111240/http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P2-11996982.html. dead. June 11, 2014. Dayton Daily News. June 5, 2007 . Marc . Katz. August 1, 2012.
- Web site: Yankees sign Cuban pitcher Omar Luis Rodriguez | HardballTalk . Hardballtalk.nbcsports.com . June 20, 2012 . March 31, 2013.
- Web site: Report: Cuban pitcher Yariel Rodriguez defects with hope of MLB deal. Aaron. Somers. Yardbarker. March 28, 2023. June 12, 2024.
- Web site: José Julio Ruiz más cerca de las Grandes Ligas | El Duque de Cuba . Elduke.wordpress.com . September 24, 2009 . March 27, 2014.
- https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=yUEiAAAAIBAJ&sjid=R60FAAAAIBAJ&pg=1306,770945&dq=alex-sanchez+defect&hl=en The Argus-Press - Google News Archive Search
- Web site: Texas Rangers to take swings at Cuban defector | Dallas Morning News . Rangersblog.dallasnews.com . March 27, 2014 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20140328091522/http://rangersblog.dallasnews.com/2014/03/texas-rangers-to-take-swings-at-cuban-defector.html/ . March 28, 2014 . mdy-all .
- Web site: Cubs reach deal with Cuban prospect | MLB.com: News . Mlb.mlb.com . March 12, 2013 . March 31, 2013.
- Web site: Misael Siverio, Cuban pitcher, tells newspaper he is defecting — ESPN . Espn.go.com . July 17, 2013 . January 15, 2014.
- News: Ortiz . Jorge L. . USATODAY.com — Cubans off to good starts . Usatoday30.usatoday.com . May 25, 2006 . January 15, 2014.
- News: Chicago Cubs sign Cuban prospect Jorge Soler . Content.usatoday.com . November 28, 2011 . June 12, 2012.
- Web site: Arangure . Jorge . La Esquina: On the workout of Deinys Suarez and Yuniesky Maya, as well as other news and notes — ESPN . . March 31, 2013.
- News: MIREYA NAVARROPublished: March 22, 1998 . Mystery of Missing Baseball Players From Cuba Is Deepening — New York Times . . March 22, 1998 . March 31, 2013.
- Web site: Power Hitter Yasmani Tomas Leaves Cuba — Baseball America . www.baseballamerica.com . June 20, 2013 . June 20, 2014.
- Web site: Dubroff . Rich . Urrutia set to make impact with Orioles — Carroll County Times: Baltimore Orioles . Carroll County Times . March 16, 2013 . dead . https://archive.today/20130410164941/http://www.carrollcountytimes.com/sports/orioles/urrutia-set-to-make-impact-with-orioles/article_ae8ba0b2-de26-5532-a0ef-aae8e7495bd2.html . April 10, 2013 . mdy-all .
- Web site: New York Mets pitcher Raul Valdes has traveled a difficult path from Cuba to the majors — MLB — ESPN New York . . April 12, 2010 . March 31, 2013.
- Web site: Josh Alper %BloggerTitle% . Dayan Viciedo Defects From Cuba but May Need To Wait a Year to Begin Playing in MLB . https://archive.today/20130410124557/http://www.aolnews.com/2008/06/09/dayan-viciedo-defects-from-cuba-but-may-need-to-wait-a-year-to-b/ . dead . April 10, 2013 . Aolnews.com . June 9, 2008 . March 31, 2013 .