Two young and talented Cuban baseball players, Ryder Fabián Pérez (13 years old) and Jean Carlos Cárdenas (15), have recently left Cuba and settled in Mexico. Their goal is to develop their skills and eventually sign with a Major League Baseball (MLB) team.
According to journalist Francys Romero, the duo will be joining the Legendary Academy located in Zumpango. This academy is renowned for training aspiring athletes for professional baseball careers in the United States. Romero shared on Facebook that Ryder Fabián Pérez was part of the Cuba U-10 team in 2022, where he shone as both a position player and a pitcher. Meanwhile, Jean Carlos Cárdenas participated in the Little League tournament in the Dominican Republic that same year, representing Santa Clara, where his exceptional skills for his age were evident.
The departure of these young talents is part of a larger trend of Cuban athletes leaving the island. They seek better opportunities abroad due to the restrictions imposed by the state-run sports system and the desire for greater prospects in the competitive international arena.
The Growing Exodus of Cuban Baseball Players
The migration of Cuban baseball players is accelerating rapidly, characterized by the constant departure of athletes under the age of 17. They leave the island in search of improved sports and economic conditions. Countries like Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and the United States offer a tangible chance to develop in professional academies, secure contracts with MLB organizations, and achieve a future that the Cuban sports system can no longer provide. Structural limitations, lack of stable international competitions, and the economic crisis that directly affects sports have made this path the most viable option for many young talents.
Currently, entire families are taking the risk of leaving their homeland to provide their children with opportunities that are unattainable in Cuba. Material shortages—from basic equipment to adequate nutrition—and the absence of a solid sports development project drive dozens of young athletes to emigrate each year. For many, this exodus represents not just a chance for athletic growth but an escape from a system that offers no real prospects for advancement or stability.
This phenomenon, far from slowing down, highlights the ongoing decline of Cuban baseball and the direct impact of the national crisis on one of its historically most iconic sports.
Understanding the Exodus of Cuban Baseball Players
Why are young Cuban baseball players leaving the island?
Young Cuban baseball players are leaving the island in search of better opportunities to develop their skills and secure contracts with Major League Baseball organizations. The state-run sports system in Cuba imposes significant restrictions, and the economic crisis has limited the resources available for athletes.
What is the Legendary Academy?
The Legendary Academy is a well-regarded training facility located in Zumpango, Mexico. It is known for preparing young talents for professional baseball careers in the United States, providing them with the opportunity to hone their skills and potentially sign with MLB teams.