# Cuban youth baseball players seeking MLB contracts > Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/cuban-youth-baseball-players-seeking-mlb-contracts > Updated: 2026-10-07T12:17:32.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2. Young Cuban baseball players are increasingly traveling to the Dominican Republic to seek professional contracts with Major League Baseball (MLB) organizations. In late September, 19-year-old pitcher Leandro Forteza arrived in the Dominican Republic to establish residency and qualify as an international free agent. He is part of a group of players from Cuba’s Under-18 World Cup team who have left the island in search of professional opportunities. By early October, the trend continued with 15-year-old pitcher Carlos Adrián Hernández leaving Cuba for the Dominican Republic. Hernández, a member of the Cuban U-15 national team, is expected to be eligible for international signing during the 2027-2028 period. Reports indicate a broader pattern of high-level Cuban players aged 14 and 15 utilizing MLB academies or private training facilities in the Dominican Republic. ## Timeline ### 2026-10-07: Carlos Adrián Hernández leaves Cuba for MLB prospects Fifteen-year-old Cuban pitcher Carlos Adrián Hernández has fled to the Dominican Republic to pursue an MLB contract, highlighting a trend of young Cuban baseball talent seeking professional opportunities abroad 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/carlos-adrin-hernndez-leaves-cuba-for-mlb-prospects ### 2026-09-27: Leandro Forteza arrives in Dominican Republic seeking MLB contract Cuban pitcher Leandro Forteza, 19, has arrived in the Dominican Republic to pursue an MLB contract, becoming the eighth member of Cuba's U-18 World Cup team to leave the country for professional baseball. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/leandro-forteza-arrives-in-dominican-republic-seeking-mlb-contract --- Cite as: Cuban youth baseball players seeking MLB contracts. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/cuban-youth-baseball-players-seeking-mlb-contracts