International Prospects: 3 Cubans off to hot starts in the Asian circuits

The Asian Circuits has seen an influx of international prospects out of Cuba. Today, we focus on three Cuban players making an impact overseas.

The CPBL and KBO have kicked off their seasons successfully and the Nippon Professional Baseball League has set a tentative date of June 19 for their opening day. The opening of Japan’s big leagues could set the number of Cubans playing in these Asian circuits at 12, which gives me a lot more content on international prospects to report on, while MLB remains in discussions about when their season will kick-off.

A trio of Cubans have gotten off to a torrid start in the two Asian leagues currently in play:

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1.) Ariel Miranda is having a magical season so far with CITIC Brothers of the Chinese Professional Baseball League. In his five starts, he has thrown 32 innings, won three games, struck out 36, and posted a 1.97 ERA to lead Taiwan in all these categories. He also tops the Chinese circuit in K/9 with a whopping 10.2.

The lefty from Mayabeque is having a season worthy of a pitcher of the year so far, especially if continues to dominate. He could easily be 5-0 if not for inconsistent hitting and deplorable relief pitching.

2.) In the KBO ex-major leaguer, Odrisamer Despaigne of the KT Wiz has also been a victim of terrible relief pitching. The Havana native has left his first two starts leading only to see his bullpen fail him. Despaigne sports an ERA of 3.27 and is second in Korea with 14 K’s.

light. Related Story. International Prospects: 5 Cubans among the top 30 for July 2nd

3.) Jose Miguel Fernández has been a force for the Doosan Bears since his arrival in Korea last year. This year he has opened the season with a six-game hitting streak, he also leads the KBO in batting average (.577), hits (15), OBP (.593), is second in OPS (1.493) and is fourth in slugging (.846). Last season the slugger from Matanzas had 197 hits, the most for a foreign player. He was four off the mark for a season, set by Seon Gon Chang in 2014.

Based on what we’ve seen from the Antilleans so far expect a productive and eventful season this year from them.