This Monday, September 11, the Cuban Baseball Federation that Carlos Alberto Monier Torres reached an agreement in principle with the Chunichi Dragons of the Nippon League to enter the franchise’s development program.
In 2023, a total of eight players saw action via the Cuban Federation Japan, while Omar Linares also served as coach for Chunichi. The athletes were Liván Moinelo and Alfredo Despaigne with the Soft Bank Hawks; Raidel Martínez, Pedro Pablo Revilla, Guillermo García and Frank Abel Álvarez with the Chunichi Dragons; and Yasel Pérez with Tokushima Indigo Socks, from the Shikoku Island League Plus.
Monier was part of the Cuba U-23 team that finished tenth in the World Cup in 2022. The Santiago native averaged .235, with a double, triple and an RBI during the competition, The 22-year-old will have an opportunity to better himself as a players and develop on the farm with the Dragons. The young prospect is a power hitter in all senses of the word.
His performance in the minors will determine his future in professional baseball and with the ballclub. In this coming season the Cuban will have to adapt to an NPB that is a step up in competition from the accustomed Serie Nacional. How he adapts remains to be seen, but Chunichi has a good track record in developing talent, Raidel Martínez, Ariel Martínez and Yariel Rodríguez are a testament to that.
☑️ Según informó el miembro de la Federación Cubana de Béisbol, Yovani Aragón, los atletas Carlos Alberto Monier Torres (SCU) y Christian Leandro Rodríguez García (VCL) tienen un principio de acuerdo con los Dragones de Chunichi 🇯🇵
📷 @yuhkiohboshi pic.twitter.com/xVSWFFeOI7
— Miguel Rodríguez Hernández (@MiguelRH98) September 11, 2023
How did you take the news of this interest from the Chunichi Dragons?
It really took me by surprise, I didn’t expect it. I was very happy when I heard the news as was my family.
You were part of the Cuban team at the 2022 U-23 World Cup, that is precisely where teams started to follow Carlos Monier . How much did this tournament contribute to your signing despite the poor collective result?
The U-23 World Cup helped me mature as a player. There was a lot of talent in tournament, the pitchers had a great repertoires, this helped me have more confidence as a hitter and taught me to prepare better in the batter’s box.
This year Santiago de Cuba finished third in the Serie Nacional. Tell us what this experience meant to you?
For me it was a very good year, apart from the fact that it was my first year in the Serie Nacional, it was a very nice experience. I also fulfilled one of my dreams, playing against Industriales and even more so in front of a packed Latinoamericano Stadium . In addition, I had a tremendous Play-Off run, thank God. My sacrifice during the offseason paid off and contributed to my result.
Once your contract is signed, you will join an organization that has a track record for developing Cuban talent. Are you ready for this new challenge in your career?
It’s all a matter of getting used to it. It’s a strong league, but it will teach me a lot and will help me in my development as a player. I have to adapt quickly to continue having success.
In Japan, as in Cuba, the population is very attached to baseball, the Japanese, above all, greatly respect Cuban talent and the expectations are usually high. What is special about Carlos Monier and what does he bring to the table?
In Japan I am going to do what I have always done, because what I know how to do is play baseball and let my performance speak for itself. The NPB is a great opportunity that I am not going to waste, I will give my all, the best is for me is yet to come.
You will surely start your career in the Dragons’ farm system (Minor Leagues). Where does Carlos Monier see himself in the future within Chunichi’s organization and what are your goals?
Well, first of all, my goals are to take it step by step, go from less to more until I get to where I want to and that is with the big ballclub.
Finally, do you have a message for the people of Santiago de Cuba and Cuban people, especially those who have seen you grow as a player?
Well, expect the best from me, I’m going to Japan to represent my Santiago, my Cuba. I will give my all and try to give you a good show.