Enyer Fernández, a talented 23-year-old left-handed pitcher, has left Cuba and is now in the Dominican Republic with aspirations of securing a contract with a Major League Baseball (MLB) team. Originally from Guantánamo, Fernández joins the growing ranks of Cuban athletes who have emigrated in search of improved sporting and personal opportunities, as reported by journalist Francys Romero this Friday.
In his new location, the young pitcher will embark on intensive training sessions, aiming to impress scouts and earn a professional contract. Enyer Fernández was part of the Cuba Under-23 team in 2022 and participated in the 2024 Caribbean Cup, where he started a game against the Bahamas, allowing three runs in 3.1 innings, according to the sports portal Swing Completo. Additionally, he was preselected for the Premier 12 but did not make the final team.
During the last National Series of Baseball in Cuba, Fernández shone as a key player for the Indios del Guaso team, achieving a record of 8-4, an ERA of 3.96, and finishing third in strikeouts with a total of 70. His performance placed him among the top pitchers in the championship. Over five seasons in the National Series, the Guantánamo native recorded 15 wins and 19 losses, a balance affected by the ups and downs his team faced in recent years. The 63rd edition of the tournament marked his emergence as one of the leading pitching talents in Cuba.
MLB Aspirations and Potential
With a fastball clocking between 90 and 92 MPH, Fernández exhibits the potential to meet professional baseball standards, as anticipated by Francys Romero. Reports suggest that if he can improve his control over the strike zone, he could attract interest from MLB teams seeking pitchers with his profile.
Rising Trend of Cuban Sports Exodus
Enyer Fernández's departure underscores a growing trend among Cuban athletes who are seeking opportunities beyond the island due to the limited sporting and personal prospects available in their home country. In one of the most recent instances of sports exodus, at the beginning of November, three members of the Cuban baseball team left the squad before an exhibition match against Mexico at the Tepic Stadium, also known as the "Coloso del Pacífico." The players who defected were Branlis Rodríguez (a left-handed pitcher from Pinar del Río), Over Cremet (an outfielder from Guantánamo), and Alexis Varona (an infielder from Havana).
The team, which traveled with a roster of 18 players and five pitchers, had to cope with the loss shortly before the game began. The Cuba team was defeated 9-1 by the Mexican selection.
FAQs on the Migration of Cuban Baseball Players
Why are Cuban baseball players leaving the country?
Cuban baseball players are leaving the country in search of better sporting and personal opportunities that are not available in Cuba due to the country's limited infrastructure and political situation.
What impact does this have on Cuban baseball?
The exodus of talented players weakens the local leagues and national teams, impacting the overall quality and competitiveness of Cuban baseball.
Are there any recent examples of player departures?
Yes, recently, three players from the Cuban baseball team defected before an exhibition match in Mexico, highlighting the ongoing trend of sports migration from Cuba.