First Caribbean Series, first championship for Miguel Romero

[Kevin Barral]

Cuban pitcher Miguel Romero participated in his first-ever Caribbean Series, contributing to Venezuela's Tiburones de La Guaira and hoping to put himself on the radar of major league clubs.

MIAMI, FL—Cuban Miguel Romero participated in the 2023 World Baseball Classic with the Cuban National team, but came just short of a championship appearance. This time around, returning to the same ballpark representing Tiburones de La Guaira of Venezuela, Romero was crowned a champion. On Friday, La Guaira defeated Tigres del Licey of the Dominican Republic by a final score of 3-0.

Following the game, Romero spoke to some media members on the field.

"It's huge to have won the finals with Venezuela," said Romero. "Winning one (with La Guaira) and now one here. Thinks it is special, especially for us Cubans that play here for La Guaira and just an advancement for all Cubans for the country that are representing different countries."

After Romero threw here at loanDepot park during the WBC, he did not envision getting the opportunity to return.

"Thank God that my life went a certain way where I was back," said Romero.

Although Romero didn't pitch in the championship game, he was successful against the Dominican Republic during their round-robin matchup on February 1. He also started Venezuela's semifinal game and went 5 ⅓ innings, gave up two runs off of six hits, walked one and struck out one. He gave his team length and that's what manager Ozzie Guillén needed from him, especially with how strong the Curacao bats were.

"The arrival of Ozzie was very positive for the team because he has confidence in every player and he always tells us stories in the dugout," said Romero. "He's a manager that is worth playing for."

Signed by the Oakland Athletics as a minor league free agent in 2017, Romero pitched for their Triple-A Las Vegas affiliate from 2019-2023. However, he still hasn't tasted the big leagues and was released by the A's last May.

Entering what will be his age-30 season, Romero is a free agent and it is unclear if he has had contact with any MLB team. For the majority of teams, pitchers and catchers will be reporting to Spring Training during this upcoming week. 

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