If Cuba is to win a gold medal in these Central American and Caribbean Games Raymond Figueredo is going to be a key figure for his team in achieving this goal. During Cuba’s first round shutout of Puerto Rico, Figueredo turned in a solid four-inning start, allowing just two hits while striking out three, but he received a no-decision.
The right-hander has turned himself into a solid professional and a main stay on the national seeing action in plenty of tournaments with the squad including the last edition of the Premier 12 and the 2023 Pan American Games.
Figueredo pitches for Parma of the Italian Gold division and has posted solid numbers this season. In 47⅔ innings pitched he has a 4-2 record, 3.04 earned run average and also has fanned of that span. Pitching abroad has been key in his development as a pitcher.
What has the experience of pitching in the Central American and Caribbean Games been like?
The experience of pitching in the Central American and Caribbean Games has been very positive. It has been a wonderful experience for me, competing in a tournament with a very good level of play. I am extremely happy with what we have accomplished so far, and we are continuing to fight for a better result and to win a medal.
How has pitching in Italy helped you become a better pitcher?
I believe pitching in the Italian league has helped me a great deal. During the three years I have had the opportunity to compete there, it has contributed significantly to my athletic career and my development as a pitcher. I believe that wherever you have the opportunity to pitch, it will always be a positive experience and will allow you to improve. The Italian league has opened those doors for me, and I am extremely happy to be there and to continue competing.
As the most experienced starter on the team, what advice have you given the other pitchers in the rotation?
I have advised both of them to go out and give 100 percent in every outing, on every pitch and in every inning. They should always try to help the team, go as far as they can and work as hard as possible. They should give everything they have to achieve a good result.
Pitching has been one of Cuba’s greatest strengths in this tournament. How important has scouting been in achieving those results?
We are extremely happy with all the effort he has made. You know there are many limitations, but he has always been there and has always stayed on top of everything. This year has been a little better, and I believe that, thanks to that, we have also achieved positive results in the tournament.
Besides winning the gold medal, what other goals do you have for this tournament?
The main objective, as you mentioned, is to win the gold medal and achieve a good result in the tournament. On an individual level, I want to perform as well as possible, put up good numbers, go as far as I can and do everything the right way so that more opportunities to participate in international events may open up for me in the future.
We spoke a few years ago, and you told me Jacob deGrom was your favorite pitcher. Is that still the case? What have you learned from watching him pitch?
Yes, Jacob deGrom is still my favorite pitcher. I really enjoy watching him pitch and the way he approaches games. He always shows a great deal of composure. I watch him closely and try to analyze everything he does. I even look for information about his routine so I can study it. He is my main idol in Major League Baseball, so to speak.
According to my sources, several winter league teams have shown interest in you because of your strong performance in this tournament. Have you received any concrete offers?
Not yet. Should an opportunity arise, I will certainly try to take advantage of it, perform well and continue on my professional path.