The Houston Astros have agreed to terms with Cuban right-hander Danel Reyes, pending a physical, according to baseball insider Francys Romero. The deal is expected to become official in the coming days barring any complications.
Reyes, a native of Las Tunas, Cuba, has been training in the Dominican Republic since 2023 while pursuing a professional opportunity. The right-hander was considered one of the top arms on Cuba’s U-15 national team in 2022 and has worked with TBT Baseball Academy during his development.
Reyes features a fastball that sits in the 90-93 mph range and profiles as a developmental arm with projection remaining. He is expected to enter Houston’s minor league system as a long-term upside play rather than an immediate contributor.
Continuing a Cuban Pipeline
The signing adds to what has become a steady Cuban presence in Houston’s international strategy. Since January 2025, the Astros have signed at least three Cuban prospects: outfielder Kevin Alvarez ($2 million), outfielder Jack Valbrune ($375,000), and now Reyes.
The pipeline traces back to key contributors such as Yordan Alvarez and Yuli Gurriel, both of whom became foundational pieces at the major league level.
International scouting has taken on greater importance in recent seasons as Houston has forfeited draft picks tied to free-agent signings. Developing talent from the international market is now central to sustaining organizational depth.
Reyes fits that model: young, cost-controlled, and developmental, with enough raw ability to project into a meaningful role if the progression continues.
