Former top prospect Yadier Alvarez prepares for comeback

When the Dodgers signed Cuban prospect Yadier Alvarez in 2015 for $16 million, the team had high hopes for the pitcher — he was even ranked higher than Cody Bellinger as a top Dodgers prospect a year later and praised for his graceful 100-mph fastball. Then Alvarez decided he was done with baseball after five seasons in the minors and just two starts with double-A Tulsa in 2019, abruptly leaving the team.

Injuries and some time off to work on his mental health have put Alvarez’s career on hold, but the Cuban phenom is now ready to make a comeback.

Though the Dodgers sent Alvarez outright off the 40-man roster in 2020, the right-hander is determined to make it back to the majors.

MLB.com reporter Francys Romero says that Alvarez has been training every day this offseason in the hopes of finally reaching the majors.

His training partner, Maels Rodriguez, was a Cuban superstar in his own right. Rodriguez is an Olympic silver medalist, Cuban National Series MVP, and holder of the Cuban National Series record for strikeouts in one season (263 in 2000-2001).

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