Ariel Pestano Jr is motivated to sign with an MLB team, the ex-Serie Nacional catcher has been working hard for quite sometime in México to try to reach this desired goal. Pestano is trying to follow in his father’s footsteps and become an accomplished backstop.
His father Ariel Pestano Sr is arguably the best catcher in the history of the Cuban circuit. During his time in the Serie Nacional with Villa Clara and Granma Pestano Jr hit .266 with 18 longballs,49 doubles, 5 triples and 120 RBIs. The young Cuban is also a highly skilled defensive catcher.
With representation he has now, A&F Sports (Gladys Alonso), Pestano has a very good shot to join a winter circuit or participate in tryouts with MLB organizations. Expect to see the 26-year-old switch-hitter in a couple of showcases in the near future. A few scouts have already seen the player and have come back with positive reviews.
What have you been working on since you left Cuba and when will there be a showcase?
Since I left Cuba everything has been a bit complicated, starting with my journey. I spent some time in Mexico City waiting for my appointment for the CBP one visa. From there I moved to Merida and started to train more or less on my own in a gym in the afternoons and in the mornings I went to hit on a field where I more or less started to get in shape, because since I left Cuba I hadn’t trained or done anything. My current agent is Gladys Alonso, who has given me the opportunity to showscase my talents and welcomed me with great affection in her agency. Because of her I was invited to the Cañeros de Los Mochis preseason camp and here I am working hard to get in shape as soon as possible, God willing.
Los Mochis have invited you to camp, how do you plan to use this to help your development as a player?
Los Mochis have given me a great opportunity and I am extremely grateful to them. I am working hard every day in all the aspects of my game and I hope that this will help me sharpen my skills.
Could you see action with the team this year?
Well, for now I’m just here thinking about working on getting in shape and improving every day while I wait to be declared a free agent by MLB and prepare myself for a future showscase. After that we’ll see what direction to take.
What role has your father played in your development as a player?
Few words I can express how I feel about my dad. My dad is everything to me in my personal life and in my career. He is like my personal trainer and everything I am in my career I owe to him, to his wise advice and to the long hours he has dedicated day after day without rest so that I could fulfill my dream of being a baseball player.
Give me one goal that Ariel Pestano Jr has for what’s left of this year?
For now, my main goal is to work hard to get in shape and, once I’m ready, show up for a showcase. I’ll do everything possible to sign with an MLB organization, or one in Asia, or whatever God has in store for me.