Outfielder Esteban Terry chose not to return to Cuba with the rest of the Matanzas Crocodiles following their participation in the Baseball Champions League Americas 2026, which took place from March 24 to 29 at the Alfredo Harp Helú Stadium in Mexico City.
The news, initially reported by Cuba Grand Slam and spread through Pelota Cubana USA on Facebook, confirmed that Terry decided to stay in Mexico at the conclusion of the tournament.
Terry stood out as one of the most consistent hitters for the Cuban team during the competition, achieving a batting average of .353 in 17 at-bats, including six hits, two doubles, and one RBI.
A Silent Hero on the Field
Radio 26 had dubbed him the silent hero of Matanzas in the tournament, highlighting his crucial double in the seventh inning, which was pivotal in the comeback against Taiwan's CTBC Brothers on March 25. In that game, he went 2-for-4 and scored two runs.
A Disappointing End for the Crocodiles
The Crocodiles' journey in Mexico ended abruptly on March 29 when the Diablos Rojos del México overwhelmed them with a 36-13 defeat. This heavy loss marked one of the most lopsided defeats in recent international baseball, eliminating them from the final.
Matanzas entered the tournament as champions of the 64th National Series, having secured the title on February 14 with an 11-0 victory over Las Tunas, boasting a postseason record of 12-2.
The Pattern of Cuban Baseball Defections
Terry's decision to remain in Mexico follows a recurring pattern of Cuban baseball players defecting during international trips. In the 2025 edition of the same Champions League, also held in Mexico, players Rafael Viñales and Denis Peña from the Las Tunas team stayed behind. In 2023, another Cuban player defected during the tournament, and in 2021, six players abandoned the national team during the U-23 World Cup held in Mexico.
This year, the Champions League was the sole international stage for Cuban players, as Cuba was excluded from the 2026 Caribbean Series held in Guadalajara, a move the Cuban Baseball Federation deemed "disrespectful."
Terry made his debut in the National Series in 2021 and, during the regular phase of the 64th edition, he averaged .417 in five games with the Crocodiles, whom he joined in Mexico as national champions.
Understanding Cuban Baseball Defections
Why do Cuban baseball players often defect during international tournaments?
Cuban baseball players frequently defect during international tournaments seeking better professional opportunities and life conditions, which they believe are unattainable under Cuba's current regime.
What impact does Esteban Terry's defection have on Cuban baseball?
Terry's defection highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Cuban baseball, including the loss of talented players and the limitations imposed by the country's isolation from major international competitions.