Former Chicago Cubs prospect wanted by police in Dominican Republic in connection with shooting death – The Mercury News

Dominican Republic National Police are looking for a former Chicago Cubs minor league player in connection with a homicide.

The Cubs signed outfielder Josefrailin Alcántara as an international amateur free agent in January 2022 for $500,000. Alcántara, 18, is now wanted for a shooting death in his native Dominican Republic, according to reports from the country.

The Cubs said they released Alcántara, who was suspended for violating team rules.

“We have been made aware of a death investigation involving one of our former minor league players, who was absent from the squad due to suspension and was subsequently released following notification from the authorities of the Dominican Republic,” said senior vice president of communications Julian. Green said in a statement to the Tribune. “We cannot provide further comment until we have additional details.”

Local police sought Alcántara after he allegedly killed his friend, Darwin Diaz Valerio, on May 19 over a $150,000 debt the man owed Alcántara, according to Dominican newspaper Diario Libre. According to the police, the two men were together in a car when an argument occurred. Alcántara was reportedly shot in the hand and then twice on Diaz Valerio, who died.

According to the police, Alcántara was treated in a medical center and then fled.

Alcántara played 40 games last year in the Dominican Summer League for the Cubs Blue team. It produced a .136/.282/.254 slash line.

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