While MLB saw the arrival of Cuban talent decades ago, a mass exodus didn’t begin until recent years. An episode of “MLB Network Presents” titled, “Cuba: Island of Baseball,” examined the challenges the success stories and challenges that come with players leaving family behind.
In 2010, the Cincinnati Reds signed Aroldis Chapman to a six-year, $30.25 million contract. It was the largest pact signed by a Cuban defector to that point. Since then, Yoenis Cespedes, Yasiel Puig and Jose Abreu have been among those to escape from Cuba and find riches in the Majors.
Cespedes received a four-year, $36 million contract from the Oakland Athletics, and most recently signed a $110 million contract with the New York Mets, also a four-year deal.