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Story of Overcoming: Cuban Outfielder Karell Paz Signs with Mets

By Alexis Farinacci

March 23, 2022 No comments

Karell Paz

Francys Romero, member of the Baseball Writers Association of America said on Tuesday that according to sources, Cuban outfielder Karell Paz has signed with the New York Mets.

Paz confirmed and announced his signing with the Mets on Instagram, saying, “Welcome to the Mets. Glory is to God, Amen!”

Paz, 22-years old, 6’3”, 215 lbs is a switch-hitter who many claim has great raw strength and power both at the plate and an impressively strong arm in the field as well.

But what stands out even more about Paz is his story of overcoming. Originally a native of the Province of Ciego de Avila, Paz left Cuba in 2017 to pursue baseball at a higher level. He traveled through five countries, including Guyana, Brazil, and Uruguay to reach Panama approximately 11 months later. He later moved to Haiti and then ultimately arrived in the Dominican Republic where he would stay for some time.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, his legal documentation was delayed, which slowed, but did not stop his process of making his dreams a reality, as well as his ability to see family he hadn’t seen in years.

However, Paz continued to fight. He did not let COVID-19 delay his dreams. He continued to take the steps necessary toward achieving those dreams, doing everything he was told and doing what he had to do along the long journey of coming to America.

Along with fighting for his dream to play Major League Baseball, Paz had not seen his father in almost four years. On February 8, 2022, he was able to see his father for the first time again, overcoming yet another life hurdle.

On Tuesday, March 22, Paz’s dreams became closer to reality as he officially signed a contract to play with the Mets. And even sweeter was that Paz was able to sign with his father present at the signing ceremony, a moment we know was special for both Paz and his father.

Per Romero, should everything continue to progress as expected, Paz is expected to report to Port St. Lucie in the coming weeks.

Paz is now the second Cuban player the Mets have signed in recent weeks. He joins third base prospect Yordis Perera (19), who left Cuba in 2018, a year after Paz.