A Cuban player makes history

Baseball continues to expand worldwide, and now a Cuban player in Arab baseball is making history.

Rusney Castillo, former player of the Red Sox of Boston, has taken his talent to the Middle East by joining the ABU DABI MID EAST FALCONS In United Arab Emirates Series.

His debut occurred on February 14, 2025, in a match against the Arabia Wolves of Dubai, held at the United Ballpark Baseball.

Castillo aligned as sixth bat and designated, achieving a hit in three shifts and receiving a ticket. Although the official results of the series have not been disclosed, it is known that their team fell 6-5 in the first match.

This new stage of his career leads him to share land with former MLB stakes such as Pablo Sandoval, Robinson Canó and Didi Gregorius, consolidating the prestige of Baseball United.

A trajectory marked by success and challenges

From his debut in the National Series with the Tigers of Ciego de Ávila, Castillo proved to be an elite talent player.

In 2013, he decided to emigrate to pursue his dream of playing in the big leagues.

A year later, he signed a contract of 72.5 million dollars with the Boston Red Sox, becoming one of the best paid Cubans in history.

However, his stay in the MLB was brief. He participated in just 99 games with Boston between 2014 and 2016, achieving an average batting of 262.

After passing through the leagues of Puerto Rico, Japan, Mexico and the US Independent League, its name resurfaced strongly by becoming the first Cuban player in Arab baseball.

«The Cuban player has always had talent to reach the big leagues. The problem has been the lack of opportunities and representation. If Cuba had other conditions to move freely, there would be more Cubans in major leagues than any other country, ”says the player.

Income and economic reality of Cuban players

In Cuba, Rusney Castillo won just 52 Cuban pesos per month, an insignificant salary for an athlete of his level.

His millionaire contract in MLB allowed him on earth. «

Currently, although it no longer receives figures such as MLB, it continues to generate income in different leagues, keeping active in professional baseball.

Why did this league choose?

Castillo was selected in the Baseball United draft in October 2023 and, after his outstanding performance in Mexico and Nicaragua in 2024, he decided to make the leap to this new league.

On his decision to play in the Middle East, he explains: «It was not so much for the economic issue. I wanted to try something new. Through a friend they contacted me and I had the opportunity to talk to the team, so I agreed to come. »

Its presence in the United Arab Emirates Series reinforces the globalization of baseball and opens new opportunities for more Latin players.

A Cuban baseball ambassador

Rusney Castillo’s career is an example of perseverance and love for baseball. His passage through MLB, Mexican baseball, Japanese and now Arab baseball, demonstrates his ability to adapt and his desire to continue competing to the highest level.

«I always try to do my best, give 100% and help the team,» Castillo emphasized.

His arrival at the United Arab Emirates Series is only the beginning of a new stage in his career, where the Cuban player in Arab baseball continues to leave a mark on the world of sport.