The 18-year-old Cuban shortstop, Jhonny Damon Proenza, is honing his skills in the Dominican Republic with the ambition of landing a professional contract with a Major League Baseball (MLB) team. This development was recently reported by baseball expert Francys Romero on his platform, beisbolfr.com.
Proenza left Cuba in March and has since been training at the AVOFJ Academy, striving to refine his abilities and catch the eyes of MLB scouts.
Romero characterized the young athlete as "a skilled shortstop with connections to several organizations showing interest," though no official contract announcements or team names have been disclosed thus far.
The player has progressed through all levels of Havana's youth baseball programs, from ages 11-12 to the junior division. His last competitive appearance on the island was in the 2025 National Under-18 Championship, with the finals held in Sancti Spíritus from May 25 to May 30 of that year.
During the tournament, Havana's team was eliminated in the western semifinal, which took place in Villa Clara, without reaching the medal round.
Cuban Shortstops in High Demand
The shortstop position is highly sought after in the international MLB market due to the combination of defensive and offensive demands it requires. This partly explains the growing interest in Cuban prospects filling this role during the 2025-2026 international signing period.
In January 2026, three Cuban shortstops secured significant contracts: Rubén Gallego signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks for $1.8 million, Jaider Suárez with the Kansas City Royals for $1.7 million, and Joniel Hernández with the San Diego Padres for $1.4 million in international signings.
Proenza's journey is part of a burgeoning trend throughout 2026, where at least a dozen young Cuban baseball players have followed a similar path to the Dominican Republic between March and October. These include pitchers, catchers, and outfielders aged between 15 and 21.
Dominican Republic: A Launchpad for Cuban Talent
The Caribbean nation has emerged as a key hub for Cuban prospects, offering top-notch facilities, specialized training, and direct access to MLB scouts.
The most recent example is 19-year-old pitcher Edenis Cruz from Camagüey, who reached an agreement with the Texas Rangers for $145,000 after also training in the Dominican Republic, though the deal awaits official confirmation.
The upcoming MLB international signing period begins on January 15, 2027. This date presents Proenza with the most likely opportunity to turn franchise interest into a formal offer, marking his potential entry into organized American baseball.
FAQs on Cuban Baseball Prospects
Why are Cuban shortstops sought after in MLB?
Cuban shortstops are in high demand due to their combination of defensive prowess and offensive capability, making them valuable assets in international markets.
What role does the Dominican Republic play for Cuban baseball prospects?
The Dominican Republic serves as a major training ground for Cuban prospects, providing high-quality facilities, expert coaching, and access to MLB scouts, crucial for those aiming to enter Major League Baseball.
When is the next MLB international signing period?
The next MLB international signing period opens on January 15, 2027, offering opportunities for aspiring players to secure formal contracts with MLB teams.