The story of a Cuban pitcher in the major leagues is rarely simple, and that of Orlando Ribalta is a testimony that dreams, although difficult, are attainable.

Born in Santo Domingo, Villa Clara, this 6’7 Serpentinero arrived in the United States with just 12 years, loading with illusions and a love for baseball that would take it to the highest level: the MLB.

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A debut that tests the character

The year 2024 marked its debut in the big leagues. Although his first innings with Washington’s nationals were hard – allowing 5 races in just 3.1 entries, with an effectiveness of 13.50—, Ribalta showed something that statistics do not reveal: Resilience.

The rivals hit him for .500 and connected 10 unstoppable, but beyond the numbers, his premiere was a school.

As he confessed: «Everyone spends work, you understand me, but everyone goes through their different obstacles and it was very difficult for me … but nothing, we did it.»

A path sown with obstacles … and learning

Before that debut in Baltimore on August 13, 2024, Ribalta had demonstrated its value in minors. Between double A and Triple A, he accumulated an effectiveness of 2.82, struck out 67 rivals and barely allowed him to hit him .198.

His constancy led him to be part of the main roster, something that lived with euphoria: «Boy, there nothing more than that, kick, give me the account and we are throwing,» he said about the moment he received the news of his call to the elderly.

The 2025 of the Cuban launcher in Major Leagues

This year, Ribalta entered Spring Training with a renewed mentality. In nine spring outings, it left an effectiveness of 1.88 and a 0.84 whip.

Already in the regular season of 2025, after three appearances, it has considerably reduced its PCL and seems ready to consolidate. Although he allowed all his races at his first exit, in the following two they did not connect hits or gave tickets.

The objective is clear: «Immediately do the roster of the Opening Day … that is the goal. It is my first major league spring training and it was a very pretty experience ».

For Ribalta, the key is to stay healthy. «For me, health is the most main, and I think that with health, the rest will come.»

A Cuban launcher in Major Leagues with the present and future

Despite not having played in the National Series of Cuba, Ribalta represents his land with pride.

From his childhood in Santo Domingo, where he shared ground with figures such as Yosver Zulueta and Ariel Pestano Jr., until he became the Cuban sixth in debuting in MLB in 2024, his story symbolizes the effort of an entire generation.

The coach Héctor Berrios said it clearly: «When he arrived at Spring Training in March, no one had hopes in him,» but Orlando surprised everyone by launching up to 99 miles per hour.

This technical transformation, based on a better use of its entire body, has made it more competitive and dangerous in the mound.

Ribalta is determined not to be another name on the list of Cuban pitchers in the majors. He is hungry, talent and a story that inspires. His goal is to return, stay and leave his mark. Because for him, as for many, arriving was just the beginning.