Bleacher Report · Mar 20, 2023
Cuban Catcher Iván Prieto Defects After 2023 WBC Semifinal vs. USA
Cuban baseball player Iván Prieto González defected from his home country when he didn't board the team flight to Havana on Monday, according to the Miami Herald's Jorge Ebro.
Cuba's World Baseball Classic run came to an end Sunday with a 14-2 loss to the United States at LoanDepot Park in Miami. Prieto served as a bullpen catcher during the tournament.
Ebro reported the Cuban players were scheduled to fly out of Miami International Airport to return home on Monday, and when they did, Prieto was absent.
The 26-year-old played seven seasons for Sabuesos de Holguín and Alazanes de Granma in the Cuban National Series. He batted .291 with 13 home runs and 102 RBI in 257 games.