Havana/The Cuban Baseball Federation (FCB) has forgiven the player Naykel Cruz, who in 2024 he ruined a contract for the directors for his incorporation with the Canadian club Kitchener Panthers. The left-hander, who was fired by the Baltimore Orioles, confirmed this Thursday to the space on Facebook Cuba Grand Slam who returns to the island and will play with the team Crocodiles of Matanzas the IV Elite League.
months ago, Cruz told the same media that he would “like to play in an Elite League” and his desire to do so with Industriales, “would be the best.” Although the pitcher will return to Matanzas, the team with which he won the 2020 National Series. His level of play led him to be part of the U-23 national team in 2021 and 2022.
The first approach of the FCB with the pitcher from Matanzas occurred prior to the World Classic. Manager Germán Mesa put him on the first list he submitted, however, the athlete’s representative, the Cuban-American Gladys Alonsostopped Cruz’s incorporation. “I do not represent players who go to that event” with the so-called Team Asere, he warned him.
After leaving the Island, Cruz settled in the Dominican Republic, where on June 3 of last year he made his signature with the Baltimore Orioles, a Major League team, official. The left-hander was sent to the affiliate, Orioles Black in the Dominican Summer League, where he had an ERA record of 4.58 in 19.2 innings launched.
After leaving the Island, Cruz settled in the Dominican Republic, where on June 3 of last year he made his signature with the Baltimore Orioles official.
The Matanzas native’s stay was short-lived and last February he was fired by the Baltimore club. In 11 games, one as a starter, he allowed 19 hits and 13 runs, 28 strikeouts, in addition to leaving a whip average (walks more hits) of 1.22.
While Cruz’s return is announced on the island, in the Dominican Republic the agreement of young Luis Almeida with Pittsburgh Pirates has been finalized. Journalist Francys Romero confirmed that the 18-year-old man from Matanzas was given a bonus of $30,000.
The communicator expects it to be part of the 2026 season in the Dominican Summer League. According to statistics, there are 18 Cubans who have reached agreements with a Major League team and continue their preparation in an affiliate.
Almeida is part of the Academy of Cuban coach Yuan Pino, the same one that in 2024 managed to place Reykelly Rubi with the Baltimore Orioles. The American teams maintain their confidence in the institution, despite the fact that two of their players breached their contracts. The first was Marcos Belén Pileta broke the agreement with the Cleveland Guardians team, the second Briam Reyes Cedeño failed to comply with the San Luis Cardinals.
