Jhonny Damon Proenza Trains in the Dominican Republic Ahead of MLB International Signing Window
Eighteen-year-old Cuban shortstop Jhonny Damon Proenza is training in the Dominican Republic as he works toward signing a professional contract with a Major League Baseball organization, according to Francys Romero. Proenza left Cuba in March and has since based his training in the Caribbean nation, which serves as a primary hub for prospects seeking to present their skills to big-league talent evaluators.
Specialized journalist Francys Romero reported that Proenza has drawn interest from multiple MLB organizations, though no official agreement has been announced and the interested teams have not been publicly named. The young infielder has spent his developmental years moving through Havana’s baseball system, playing from the 11-12 age division up through the youth ranks. His final competitive tournament in Cuba was the 2025 Under-18 National Championship, held from May 25 to 30, 2025, in Sancti Spíritus, where the Havana squad reached the western semifinals in Villa Clara before missing out on the medal rounds.
High Demand for Shortstops Shapes the International Market
The shortstop position remains one of the most heavily scouted areas in international baseball due to the rigorous offensive and defensive demands placed on players at the spot. That positional value has helped drive intense interest in Cuban prospects during recent signing periods. In January 2026, three prominent Cuban shortstops secured multi-million-dollar agreements: Rubén Gallego signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks for $1.8 million, Jaider Suárez joined the Kansas City Royals for $1.7 million, and Joniel Hernández signed with the San Diego Padres for $1.4 million.
Proenza’s journey mirrors a broader wave of departures from the island. Between March and October 2026, at least ten young Cuban baseball players aged 15 to 21—including pitchers, catchers, and outfielders—relocated to the Dominican Republic to pursue professional opportunities through local academies. These facilities provide specialized coaching, structured competition, and direct access to international scouts representing MLB franchises.
The Path Forward to the January 2027 Signing Period
Recent signings underline the pace at which Dominican-based prospects transition into the professional ranks. Nineteen-year-old Camagüey pitcher Edenis Cruz agreed to a $145,000 deal with the Texas Rangers after completing his preparation in the Dominican Republic, though that agreement remains pending official confirmation.
For Proenza, the next major checkpoint arrives on January 15, 2027, when the next official MLB international signing period opens. That date marks the primary window for the 18-year-old infielder to convert the current interest from major-league talent evaluators into a formal professional contract.
Keep reading
