Naykel Cruz

Naykel Yoel Cruz (born April 29, 1999) is a Cuban professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. Cruz was named to the Cuba national baseball team for the 2023 World Baseball Classic and 2026 World Baseball Classic.

Career Piratas de Campeche Cruz began his career with the Cocodrilos de Matanzas of the Cuban National Series. In four years, from 2019–20 to 2023–24, Cruz pitched to a 4.18 ERA. In 2022, Cruz also appeared in seven games for the Piratas de Campeche of the Mexican League. Cruz struggled in seven games in the Mexican League, pitching to a 9.82 ERA.

Baltimore Orioles On June 3, 2025, Cruz signed a minor league contract with the Baltimore Orioles. He was assigned to the Dominican Summer League. In 11 games in the league in the 2025 season, Cruz had a 4.58 ERA. On February 25, 2026, Cruz was released by the Orioles organization.