On March 4th, the Rieleros de Aguascalientes announced their Spring Training non-roster invitee list on social media for the centennial season of the Liga Mexicana de Béisbol (LMB). Among those guests there are two Cuban players, both from Santiago de Cuba and who have played together on the island.
Infielder Oscar Marten and pitcher Richard Guasch, Marten left Cuba in 2016 after being part of the U-18 national team and signed with the Houston Astros, however, but waa released after inking a deal. In 2021, he had a brief stint with the Bravos de León in the LMB hitting .353 in five games that season.
The slugger leads the team with three longballs in the spring and has a very good chance of making the ballclub. Two days ago he hit a walk-off two-run homer against Durango giving the Rieleros a preseason victory and enhancing his chances of making the roster.
In 2016, you left Cuba and after three years, you signed with the Houston Astros. What did that signing mean to you?
Just like you said, I left in 2016 after making the U-18 national team I decided to leave the country to pursue the dream every baseball player has, which is to reach the Major Leagues. I was able to sign, thank God, but there were some problems that had nothing to do with me; they were third-party issues. Today we keep fighting because the dream of returning to an MLB organization is still there.
After leaving Houston, you joined the Bravos de León in the Liga Mexicana de Béisbol in 2021; although you only played in five games, you put up good numbers. Tell me about that experience.
It was a very nice experience because it was practically my professional debut. There’s always that pressure of playing in a country other than your own, with fans who don’t know you and are very demanding. But I was 100% fit physically and mentally. Ihad some good games. I couldn’t finish the season due to COVID issues. I was out for two weeks and the team didn’t qualify for the playoffs, but I felt really good in those games.
Now that you’re with the Rieleros in Spring Training, how will you apply your previous experience to help you here?
It’s like a new opportunity, one I’ve been waiting for for two years. I’ve kept myself physically and mentally strong, preparing for when this moment arrives. I’m going to give it 120%, because I want to take full advantage of it.
During the last two years, you played in the Liga Norte de México and other independent leagues, even winning the Home Run Derby in the Yucatecan League. How does this type of league help a player who is inactive in professional baseball stay in playing shape?
Here in Mexico, these leagues have a very high talent level. There are many players in them who are still active in the Mexican leagues. It’s a league where you have to be ready because it also demands a lot from you. I played in the Liga Norte de México with the Freseros de San Quintín and had a good season. There were several teams interested from México in my services, but because the Freseros were about to start the playoffs, I couldn’t leave. However, I did finish the season with very good numbers.
With the Rieleros, you’ll be playing alongside Richard Guasch, who was also your teammate on the Cuban team and in Santiago. What’s your relationship like?
It’s a very close relationship. Richard and I are brothers. We grew up together in the same house, slept in the same room, played together for many years in Cuba. It’s an extra motivation for both of us to play professionally together. It’s something we’re really excited about and we both wanted to do for a long time.
What are your goals for the immediate future?
Right now, I want to show what I can do as a player, and hope that the Rieleros make the best decision possible. It’s a coaching staff and an organization that trusts in young talent, with an aggressive mentality and that’s how I like to play. I’ve felt that support from them this spring, and I’m staying motivated. My biggest first goal is to make the team and eventually become a starter.