Alejandro Rivero will be a key piece for FEPCUBE in their quest to win the upcoming Intercontinental Series later the month in Barranquilla. Rivero was 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 then 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 that circuit 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. Last season he has looked impressive with the lumber with York hit .272 with eight longballs, 43 runs batted in and slashed .338/.387/.725 in 119 games with the Revolution. The infielder signed with the Dorados de Chihuahua for the upcoming season in the Liga Mexicana de Béisbol.
@Arivero1717 talks to us about his role with @fepcube and what his goals are for the upcoming season in the @LigaMexBeis .#CubanBaseballDigest #FEPCUBE pic.twitter.com/VZPta4vCwK
— Cuban Baseball Digest (@CBaseballDigest) January 12, 2024
What position are you going to play with this team?
I do not really know yet. I am going to play any position that can help the team. I am taking ground balls at third, first and base, plus shagging balls in leftfield.
How is your versatility going help this team?
First of all I am glad to be here and it can definitely help. I’m going to give it my one-hundred percent and help the team in anyway possible.
Being part of the exile community, how does it feel to represent us in the tournament?
I am excited. We all come from Cuba and have family there, I am very thrilled to represent us in the tournament. I want to do my best and give my best effort represent our community.
How will this tournament help you get ready for the summer with Chihuahua?
Training here is definitely helping me get in shape for the Liga Mexicana de Béisbol. Overall this has been a good experience, the emphasis on hitting and drills has help plenty in getting in game shape.
What are your goals for this tournament?
My first goal is to make the game and my second goal is to do anything possible to help this team win in Barranquilla.