MLB
May 25, 2023 | 1h11
Police in the Dominican Republic are looking for a Major League Baseball prospect wanted in connection with the shooting death of a 26-year-old man.
Outfielder Josefrailin Alcántara, who recently played in the Chicago Cubs’ minor league system, is accused of shooting and killing his friend during an argument inside a car, according to the Republic newspaper. Dominican Diario Libre.
Officials said the incident happened in Alcántara’s hometown of Santiago on May 18.
Alcántara allegedly had a dispute with the victim, identified as Darwin Díaz Valerio, for more than RD$150,000 – equivalent to US$2,747.68 – and shot him twice, according to the outlet.
He later fled after being treated at a medical facility.
The 18-year-old’s cousin, Diego Aníbal Rodríguez Martínez, who was allegedly in the back of the Hyundai Sonata when the brutal murder happened, was arrested on May 24.
The outlet reports that Dominican police are in possession of the car where they found a nine millimeter bullet and bloodstains inside.
Alcántara signed with the Cubs as an international free agent in January 2022.
The prospect, who has previously been praised for his athleticism and power, received a $500,000 bonus when he signed a deal with the club.
“We have been made aware of a death investigation involving one of our recently released minor league players, the Cubs told the Chicago Tribune in a statement. have no further details.”
Alcántara played one season in the Cubs’ minor league system.
Last year he cut .136 and had 10 RBIs in 40 games in the Dominican Summer League.
This is the second time in three years that a Cubs prospect has had a run-in with law enforcement.
In March 2021, pitcher Jesus Camargo-Corrales was arrested when Colorado police found 21 pounds of methamphetamine and 1.2 pounds of oxycodone pills in his gym bag, which featured the Cubs logo.
Camargo-Corrales was sentenced to 14 years in prison for drug trafficking.
