Yesterday, the talented right-hander from Guantanamo and a top pitching prospect in Cuba Alexander Valiente asked to be released by Cuban Baseball Federation so he possibly can leave the country and pursue a future with a Major League Baseball organization.
Armed with a fastball in mid 90’s, a decent array of breaking pitches and good command the 20 year old Valiente was a prime candidate to be signed a development contract with a Nippon League franchise. Various clubs from the land of rising were rumored to be on the tale of Valiente.
He made some comments yesterday about the situation through his Facebook profile and the Guantanamo team fans group on the social network. “ I have decided not to continue playing baseball for now. Please, do not ask me for explanations, I have decided this because of my personal problems. I await a decision from the authorities”, those were Valiente’s words yesterday about the situation.
The flamethrower from the easternmost province of Cuba has been part of several U-23 national teams, was also on the Cuban preliminary squad for the Classic, participated in the Alba Games recently and was part of the Cuban team (Agricultores) in the Caribbean Series this February in Caracas, Venezuela.
Alexander Valiente habla de ser de los peloteros más jóvenes de la Serie del Caribe ⚾️🇨🇺
Jugador de Agricultores de Cuba, nacido en 2002 🙌🏻 pic.twitter.com/WviulpHQTl
— Con Las Bases Llenas (@ConLasBasesFull) February 6, 2023
Precisely, on the Venezuelan stage Pelota Cubana’s Miguel Rodríguez had the opportunity to talk with him about his presence on the Cuban preliminary squad for the World Baseball Classic and about the real interest that various Japanese teams had in him: “It is a nice experience to be in the Caribbean Series, being a very young athlete, I am happy because it has been one of the biggest events in which I have participated. I also feel very happy to have generated some interests from some teams in Japan, playing in that league would be very good for my career.”
“Being on the WBC preliminary squad was something very big for my career and now being in the Caribbean Series is the best thing that has happened to me”, reiterated Valiente.
Cuba is now struggling more and more to retain its talent, many young players due to the economic situation on the island have decided to try their luck in other countries. For most players with some semblance of talent earning just 3,500 Cuban pesos (~18 dollars) in the National Series is just not cutting it and on an island that has a floundering economy leaving is the only option.
Today we do not know what the future holds for Valiente, nor the reason for his decision. What is certain is that immigration within the Cuban population it is becoming more common than ever especially amongst athletes. Today’s athletes and baseball players are not exempt from the problems engulfing the island and their mass exoduses are evidence of that.