Miguel Romero has confirmed to the Cuban Baseball Digest that All-WBC pitcher Miguel Romero has decided not to pitch for the Cuban National Team in the Pan-Am Games this October in Santiago de Chile to concentrate on showcasing his talents in the Winter Leagues in search of a contract with a MLB ballclub or squad tied to an Asian or Mexican circuit.
Upon speaking to Romero yesterday he had this to say about the situation, “At this stage in my career I do not have any interest in playing for Cuba. As of right now I’m training in the Dominican Republic for the Winter Leagues 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.
Fuentes: El derecho guantanamero Miguel Romero no lanzará con Cuba en los Juegos Panamericanos. #pelotacubana #juegospanamericanos pic.twitter.com/nODlSzjBZo
— Yusseff305 🇨🇺🇺🇲 (@yusseff305) August 16, 2023
Last winter Romero in the opinion of many was the most dominant relievers in the LBPRC this season. In 11.2 innings pitched last 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 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).
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. Romero plans to pitch as a starter in the Caribbean this winter and has been training to do so. With a good showing the sky is the limit for the talented righty.