The pitcher, who emigrated to the Dominican Republic in 2023, is part of the U15 team that qualified for the World Cup in 2022
14ymedio, Havana, October 19, 2025 — The US Major League team, the New York Mets, signed Cuban pitcher Roberto Peña. As part of the deal, the club awarded him a $350,000 bonus, the “highest incentive for a pitcher in the organization during the current period of international signatures 2024-2025,” journalist Francys Romero revealed.
Peña is part of a generation on the run. The athlete participated with the U15 team that qualified for the World Championship in 2022. More than 90 per cent of that team emigrated in 2023.
The player from Granma had outstanding performances on first base and as an outfielder with the Cuban national team. At the time of leaving the Island “he was among the top five batters in his class.” According to the reporter, he had gained in stature, muscle mass and physique, and had the attributes of a “power hitter.”
Peña arrived in early May in the Dominican Republic and after settling in was hosted by the Ray Baseball Academy of Edwin Castillo. For more than two years, he was followed by several talent scouts. At the end of September, the New York club approached the Cuban and offered to cement his dream in the major leagues. In an effort to formalize their relationship, they offered him $300,000 as an initial bonus but saw that other teams were interested and added another $50,000.
The ball player arrived in early May in the Dominican Republic and after settling in was hosted by the Ray Baseball Academy of Edwin Castillo
“The official signature will be for this international period, before December 15,” said Francys Romero on his social networks. At this time, the player has recorded straights of 93 miles per hour, change-ups of 83 miles per hour, a curve ball of 81 miles per hour and a sinker (fast ball) of 91 miles per hour.
Roberto Peña joins the Cubans who have previously played with the New York Mets, including Ed Bauta, Rey Ordóñez, José Candelita Iglesias, Yoenis Céspedes and the brothers Orlando El Duque Hernández and Livan Hernández, Raúl Valdés, Eli Marrero, Jorge Toca, Guillermo Heredia, Alay Soler, Yoan López and Adeiny Hechavarría.
Last Friday, a two-year contract extension was confirmed for Brayan Peña with the Detroit Tigers. The Cuban will return as a Minor League manager. “In 2025 he served as coordinator of the organization’s catchers, working with prospects like Thayron Liranzo and Josue Briceño.”
Francys Ramirez noted that “it is still unknown at which level Brayan will lead, and he currently is a bench coach for the Toros del Este in the Dominican Winter League.”
Translated by Regina Anavy
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