Yesterday, journalist Francys Romero revealed that the Cuban RHP Brander Guevara (20 years old) will sign with the Chicago Cubs according to his sources. The official signing is expected sometime during a week.
Guevara stood out in different categories during his juvenile days in Cuba, not only within his province (Artemisa), but also at the national level. Despite his youth, many began to look at him as an athlete with the ability to become a notable pitcher in Serie Nacional in the not so distant future.
His standout moment came in 2018, when he was a member of the U-15 category national team that participated in the World Championship held in Panama. At that event, he drew attention of many scouts for his ability to throw a fastball that topped out 90 miles, a feat that is very unusual for players of that age.
Source: Cuban RHP Brander Guevara (20) will sign with the Chicago Cubs. Deal is pending physical. Official sign is expected in one week.
Finally, he will sign a contract after 4 years away from Cuba. Brander is well known for throwing 90 mph in a U-15 World Cup (2018). pic.twitter.com/93B1CAORvT
— Francys Romero (@francysromeroFR) June 2, 2023
“ That tournament was my first and only chance to suit up with the national team, and the truth is that that was a very big thing for me. Also, I was able to have good results there, and I helped the team advance undefeated to the second round. Although we did not place in the top three teams in the tournament it was a great experience and by competing in the tournament I grew as an athlete, said the young hurler to Cuban media. ”
A short time after that, Guevara decided to leave the country with his parents. First, they traveled to Guyana, and then they moved to Costa Rica. Finally in 2021 he traveled to the Dominican Republic in search of a contract with an MLB ball club, earlier today he finally reached that goal when he came to an agreement in principle on a contract with the cubbies.
Historically U-15 have been the teams with the largest amount of defections. Youth stars such as Yordan Álvarez, Luis Robert, Johan Oviedo, Miguel Vargas, Adrián Morejón, Loidel Chapellí, Víctor Mesa Jr., Malcom Núñez, Edgar Quero and Dyan Yamel Jorge have participated with Cuba in these youth world tournaments and have escaped the island shortly after.