Thursday, February 12, 2026

From Pantoja to the Major Leagues: Ricky Durán signs his first professional contract

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SANTO DOMINGO.– Ricky Durán, shortstop from Pantoja, signed his first professional contract with a Major League Baseball (MLB) organization, fulfilling the dream that began in the streets of his community and that today projects him to professional baseball.

You may be interested in8r,: Diego Frontado signs with Milwaukee for US$1.6 million from the Dominican academy HYL

Durán, cataloged as a five-tool player, caught the attention of scouts for his combination of defense, arm, speed, batting, and power, attributes that made him one of the most complete prospects in his class. His training began at the Los Girasoles Sports Academy, where he was developed under the direction of Martín Reyes, who highlighted both his natural talent and his discipline and learning ability. During his process, the young shortstop was characterized by his consistency in training and an attitude focused on self-improvement. "This achievement is the result of sustained work and comprehensive preparation, both athletic and personal," said representatives of Los Girasoles, when assessing the player's growth since his beginnings. The international projection and exposure process of Durán was completed at the Catala Academy, an institution that served as the final platform for his professional signing, formalized through a million-dollar contract with an MLB organization. The signing of Ricky Durán represents not only a transcendental step in his sporting career, but also an example of the impact that Dominican academies have on the training of talent for professional baseball.

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