As reported by Jorge Ebro of the Miami Herald, 24-year-old pitcher, Misael Siverio, abandoned the National Team just hours after they arrived to the United States. Siverio, who is a pitcher, will now attempt to become a free agent in order to attempt the MLB Amateur Draft.
We've seen other players, most recently Yoenis Cespedes, establish residency in the Dominican Republic before being allowed to get signed by a professional team. Free agency brings a fatter paycheck, which is a big reason why guys would rather play for MLB than staying in Cuba. Cespedes, who recently won the 2013 Home Run Derby, received a four-year, $36 million deal from the Oakland Athletics after putting up terrific numbers in Cuba. Siverio, who is a lefty, has numbers that can earn him a fat payday as well.
According to Ebro, Siverio posted a 1.90 ERA as opponents hit just .245 of the 24-year-old.
The interesting part about Siverio's game is that he is a left-hander. No news is yet available on how hard he throws, but immediately when you think Cuba and you think lefty, the Cincinnati Reds' Aroldis Chapman comes to mind. Chapman is now one of the top closers in the league, racking up a total of 21 saves so far in the season. Chapman lit up the radar gun in the All-Star game, easily getting through an inning of relief.
