At just 17 years old, right-handed pitcher Richard Bouquet from Holguín has left Cuba, setting his sights on the Dominican Republic. His goal? To secure a contract with a Major League Baseball (MLB) team, as reported by sports journalist Francys Romero.
Bouquet arrives in the Dominican Republic with an impressive international resume. He was part of the Cuban national team that participated in the 2025 U-18 Baseball World Cup, held in Okinawa, Japan, last September.
During this tournament, the young pitcher showcased his talent in a game against Italy on September 6, 2025, where he pitched two innings without allowing any runs or hits. This performance further cemented his reputation as one of Cuba's most promising young arms.
Standing at 1.90 meters tall, Bouquet's fastball already reaches speeds of 90-91 mph, remarkable statistics for someone his age.
Training and Development in the Dominican Republic
In the Dominican Republic, Bouquet will train under the guidance of Bailli Baseball, an academy renowned for developing international talent for professional baseball.
Romero notes that "with a couple of months of dedicated training, he is likely to enhance his skills and move closer to signing with an MLB franchise."
Following the Path of Cuban Prospects
Bouquet is following a path well-trodden by many Cuban prospects in recent years. To become eligible as international free agents and sign with MLB teams, Cuban players must establish residency in a third country, typically the Dominican Republic.
The trend of young Cuban talent heading to the Dominican Republic has been on the rise in 2026. For instance, 18-year-old pitcher Luis Manuel Hurtado made the journey in May, while Anyelo Fleitas arrived in March with the same ambition.
Others have successfully reached their goals: Rodelvis Santiesteban signed with the Chicago Cubs in June 2026 after training in the Caribbean nation, and Jonathan Torres inked a deal with the Baltimore Orioles that same month.
Success Stories and Future Aspirations
In January 2026, five Cuban talents simultaneously secured contracts with MLB organizations: Darián Rojas with the Athletics, Jordan Pérez with the Padres, Jaider Suárez with the Royals, Jack Valbrune with the Astros, and Joniel Hernández.
The official roster for the 2025 U-18 World Cup lists Bouquet as a right-handed pitcher from Holguín, batting and throwing right-handed, under his full name Richard Bouquet Mulet.
Cuba finished seventh in that championship, achieving victories against South Africa (10-0), Italy (8-0), and Germany (4-3), while succumbing to Japan, Puerto Rico, and South Korea. Many members of that team have since left the island in pursuit of professional baseball careers, with Bouquet being one of the most prominent cases due to his physical profile and impressive pitch velocity at the young age of 17.
Richard Bouquet's Journey and MLB Aspirations
Why did Richard Bouquet leave Cuba?
Richard Bouquet left Cuba to pursue his dream of signing with a Major League Baseball (MLB) team. To do so, he needs to establish residency outside of Cuba, typically in the Dominican Republic, to become eligible as an international free agent.
What achievements does Richard Bouquet have?
Richard Bouquet was a member of the Cuban national team that competed in the 2025 U-18 Baseball World Cup in Okinawa, Japan. He notably pitched two innings against Italy without allowing runs or hits, showcasing his potential as a promising young pitcher.
What is the role of Bailli Baseball Academy in Bouquet's career?
Bailli Baseball Academy in the Dominican Republic will train and develop Richard Bouquet to enhance his pitching skills and prepare him for potential contracts with MLB teams.