Natalia Chi
Seeking release prospects for Cubs in Dominican murder case originally appeared NBC Sports Chicago
Police in the Dominican Republic are searching for a former Chicago Cubs minor leaguer on suspicion of shooting a man over money troubles.
José Flylin Alcantara, an 18-year-old outfielder who signed with the Cubs in January 2022 with a $500,000 bonus, is under investigation for the murder of Darwin Diaz Valerio.
Alcantara was released by the Cubs on Wednesday.
Caribbean police spokesman Captain Fernando Perez Valerio said Thursday that the charges were based on the testimony of the baseball player’s cousin, Diego Anibal Rodríguez Martínez. Martinez said he was with Alcantara when he approached the victim.
Perez Valerio said there had been an altercation between Alcantara and Díaz Valerio, in which the gunman injured Alcantara’s hand. Perez Valerio said the outfielder fired two shots at the victim.
Alcantara spent 2022 with the Dominican Summer League Cubs and hasn’t played this season.
Cubs spokesman Julian Green said in a statement to the Associated Press that Alcantara “had been suspended and left the team, but was released after being notified by Dominican authorities.”
Diaz Valerio was reported missing by her family on Sunday. His body was found the next day in a forest in the north of the country.
Alcantara batted .136 with two homers, 10 RBIs and 21 stolen bases last year with the DSL Cubs.
