Fifteen-year-old catcher Enrique Tejera from Villa Clara has left Cuba this week to head to the Dominican Republic. His goal is to develop his skills and eventually sign with a Major League Baseball (MLB) organization, as reported by sports journalist Francys Romero on social media.
Tejera will train at Javier Rodríguez's Academy, a development center in the Dominican Republic that has welcomed numerous Cuban prospects in recent years, serving as a launchpad into the international MLB signing market.
Boasting impressive credentials for his age, the young catcher stands at 1.90 meters tall and weighs around 200 pounds, a physique that has caught the attention of scouts observing Cuban youth baseball.
Impressive Stats and Skills
During the 2025 Under-15 National Championship, Tejera achieved a batting average of .421, with 16 hits in 38 at-bats, and drove in 15 runs, leading his team in this category. His offensive power and strong arm behind the plate are primary tools that tend to attract MLB teams to prospects in his position.
Part of a Promising Generation
Tejera was also part of the Cuban Under-15 preselection in 2025, where Villa Clara contributed four players to the team, underscoring his status as one of his province's most promising talents.
The departure of Tejera follows a well-trodden path for young Cuban baseball prospects: establishing residency in a third country, typically the Dominican Republic, to become eligible for the MLB international signing market.
This trend has continued into 2026, with other prospects like 15-year-old catcher Anyelo Fleitas, who traveled to the Dominican Republic in March, and pitcher Richard Bouquet, who left Cuba in July with the same aspirations.
By the end of 2025, reports indicated that nearly 40 Cuban prospects had left the island seeking professional opportunities, a number that continues to rise.
Given that Tejera is 15, he must wait until he turns 16 to sign a professional contract, according to MLB's international signing rules, which also require the player to be 17 by September 1 of the year following their signing.
Understanding the Cuban Baseball Exodus
Why do Cuban baseball prospects move to the Dominican Republic?
Cuban baseball prospects often move to the Dominican Republic to establish residency and become eligible for the international MLB signing market. This move is part of a broader strategy to pursue professional opportunities in Major League Baseball.
What are the eligibility rules for signing with an MLB team?
According to MLB's international signing rules, players must be at least 16 years old to sign a professional contract. Additionally, they must be 17 by September 1 of the year following their signing.
Who are some other recent Cuban prospects pursuing MLB careers?
Other recent Cuban prospects pursuing MLB careers include Anyelo Fleitas, a catcher who moved to the Dominican Republic in March 2026, and Richard Bouquet, a pitcher who left Cuba in July 2026.