Alejandro Rivero was a highly regarded prospect in the Cuban National Series when he decided to leave the island in 2016. After a few years and plenty of showcases with MLB teams he decided to go to college after being unable to secure a contract with an MLB ball club.
After three years in college and one year in the collegiate summer league with Winchester and St. Thomas in which he hit a combined .316 but was not drafted, he decided to try his hand in an independent circuit in 2021. Rivero signed with the Boise SkyHawks of the Pioneer League, which is widely known to be a league for prospects looking to sign with MLB organizations.
In his one season in the circuit, which is the basically known as an independent league that is a starting point for most prospects, he hit a robust .352 with 20 homers, 70 RBIs and slashed .401/.668/1.069. This performance earned a contract with Chicago Cubs organization. In 2022 with the Windy City’s Rookie and Low-A ball clubs he hit .227 with three jacks and 16 runs batted, but was released after the season.
This season he has looked impressive with the lumber with York hitting .310 with five longballs, 24 runs batted in and slashing .374/.468/.842 in 32 games with the Revolution. With this performance do not be surprised if the infielder is not signed by a foreign league or secures a good Winter League contract.
Compare the level of the Atlantic League with the Pioneer League, where you played in 2021?
I feel like the Pioneer League is a good independent league, but I think the Atlantic League is more talented. There are many players with a lot of experience, whether it is the big leagues, winter leagues or independent. There are many older and more experienced players in this league and that makes a big difference when it comes to the level of play.
You started the season hot, but now you’ve cooled down a bit. What adjustments will you have to make to get your form back in the batter’s box?
I started the season very well, having productive at-bats and hitting several home runs while also collecting plenty of RBIs. I know it’s a long season where there are going to be ups and downs, so my goal is to stick with my same routine and approach in order to continue getting good results. The hitting adjustments I’ve made throughout the season have been to focus on always trying to make quality contact with my bat, stay gap to gap, not swing at pitches outside of my hitting zone, and trust my hands.
Alejandro Rivero gets the Revs on the board with a RBI single!
📺 @FloBaseball >> https://t.co/zSmNGKRDAr pic.twitter.com/wQXldX9CUe
— York Revolution (@yorkrevolution) April 30, 2023
Do you have any goals for the season?
My goal for the season is to be able to have a productive season, to be a champion with the York Revolution team and to be able to return to baseball with an affiliated ball club.
Being away from home, does it make you feel more comfortable that there is another Cuban in the clubhouse?
I consider myself at home here and it is a great environment, but it’s also makes it a little more comfortable to be able to share the clubhouse and be on the same team as another Cuban like Jorge Alberto Martinez. Especially since we have known each other for years, plus we come from the same team and city in Cuba.
Could we see you in a winter league this year?
My goal is to be able to continue playing baseball at the highest level and if given the opportunity I would like to be able to play winter league this year.