Chicago White Sox want to become destination for Cuban players
By Hayden Kane
The Chicago White Sox scored big when they landed Cuban first baseman Jose Abreu as a free agent this past off-season. With that success story under their belts, they would now like to become a destination team for Cuban players as franchises across the country try to capitalize on this recent trend.
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White Sox general manager Rick Hahn said recently that he would like to capitalize on the success of that signing and become a destination for Cuban players, especially as more arrive as hot prospects in the coming years (from CSN Chicago):
"“I think it helps from a couple of standpoints. One, obviously enhancing our reputation within that community so we become a destination of choice for future players potentially. Secondly, it reinforces our own confidence in helping with that transition which is difficult for players. It’s another added benefit that we can provide…“…I do think it’s fair to argue that we are a fine destination and proven that with how smoothly some of these transitions have gone for us over the last several years.”"
There are a number of theories about which destinations Cuban players prefer, with the big markets of the east coast or west coast generally dominating those conversations. It is interesting, then, that a market smack in the midwest would have success with a high-profile story like Abreu and possibly parlay that into becoming a destination.
Teams see opportunities to improve their team immediately with big-league ready talent as these Cuban players arrive. That has been true with Aroldis Chapman, Yasiel Puig, and Abreu, just to name a few. Each team is looking for leverage in negotiations, then, and the White Sox are hoping their success with Abreu will give them an edge.
There’s nothing like a good reference, so it might not be a bad theory.