Cayey’s Gustavo Meléndez, 17, is firstPuerto Rican selected in 2025 MLB Draft

Shortstop Gustavo Meléndez, a 17-year-old native of Cayey, stood out in youth and international tournaments for his speed, defense and maturity on the field, traits that caught the attention of professional baseball experts and scouts.

By The Star Staff

Shortstop Gustavo Meléndez was selected earlier this week as the first Puerto Rican in the 2025 Major League Baseball Draft, picked by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the fourth round, with the 113th overall pick.

“This is a moment I will never forget. Representing Puerto Rico on the professional baseball stage is a dream come true,” Meléndez said in a written statement.

Meléndez, a native of Cayey, stood out in youth and international tournaments for his speed, defense and maturity on the field, traits that caught the attention of professional baseball experts and scouts.

The 17-year-old player will join the Pittsburgh Pirates’ minor league system this summer as part of his professional development.

His selection on Monday, observers said, highlights the growth of Puerto Rican baseball talent and reaffirms the island’s role as an important breeding ground for Major League Baseball.