World Baseball Classic hero Miguel Romero denied reports today that he would be playing in the Serie Nacional with Havana’s Industriales. Various Cuban media outlets reported today that the hard-throwing righty would be returning to the Cuban tournament.
Upon speaking to Romero today he had this to say about the situation, “At this stage in my career I do not have any interest in playing in Cuba. As of right now I’m training in the Dominican Republic and preparing for a any possible future signing with a professional team. ”
The right-hander did not have a great season in 2023 and was released by the Oakland Athletics after compiling a 0-1 record and a 6.60 ERA in 14 games in Las Vegas (AAA) at the time of his release, was still a highly valued arm by the organization. Romero, according to team scouts, had the best curveball in Oakland farm system in 2020.
Acabo de conversar con Luis Miguel Romero y me negó categóricamente su participación en la Serie Nacional. “Estoy enfocado en mi preparación para lograr una firma en Asia o en el béisbol de Estados Unidos” me comentó el lanzador. pic.twitter.com/xrIISIwMiQ
— Yordano Carmona (@YordiMLB) July 4, 2023
Last winter Romero in the opinion of many was the most dominant relievers in the LBPRC this season. In 11.2 innings pitched this winter, the Cuban flamethrower did not allow an earned run for the Gigantes de Carolina and served up 11 strikeouts, while also saving a game.
The Guantanamo, Cuba native was promoted by Oakland to the Majors in 2021 and although he did not pitch, he was the 378th player in history from the “Largest of the Antilles” to reach the big show.
The 29-year-old also has the potential to unleash a 100-mph fastball. With the inclusion of Romero in the World Classic Classic, Cuba had a one of strongest bullpens in the event and it showed as it reached the semifinals of the tournament for the second time in its history. Romero was the anchor of the Cuba’s pitching staff leading the WBC in wins (2), strikeouts (13) and placed in top three in ERA (2.08).
Las palabras de Miguel Romero sobre una posible incorporación en la Serie Nacional, “En esta etapa de mi carrera no tengo ningún interés en jugar en Cuba. En este momento estoy entrenando en RD y preparándome para lograr una firma en una liga profesional. ”. pic.twitter.com/4QN4nDR4J3
— Yusseff305 🇨🇺🇺🇲 (@yusseff305) July 5, 2023