Aroldis Chapman, Yoenis Cespedes and Yasiel Puig are among the Cuban defectors making an impact in Major League Baseball. Perhaps they’ll soon have company.
According to MLB.com’s Jesse Sanchez, Cuban pitcher Dalier Hinojosa has received clearance from the U.S. government and is ready to sign with a major league team. Sanchez reported in June that the Red Sox, Yankees, Cubs and Dodgers have expressed interest in Hinojosa.
Hinojosa, who established residency in Haiti after defecting from Cuba in February, has already showcased his talents for MLB teams, according to Tim Dierkes of MLBTradeRumors.com. We may soon find out which team covets Hinojosa the most, but the 27-year-old turned heads while playing for the Cuban national team.
Sanchez reports that Hinojosa throws a fastball in the low-to-mid 90s, and also features a slider, curveball, two-seam fastball and changeup. The right-hander is listed at 6-foot-2 and 210 pounds.
Hinojosa reportedly threw a seven-inning perfect game against Sri Lanka in the World University Championships in August 2010 and a five-inning perfect game against Hong Kong at the International Cup less than three months later.
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