Cuban Ballplayer Shopping For Country

“El Duque” is learning fast about freedom and free agency.

Cuban defector Orlando Hernandez - known in his homeland as “El Duque” or “The Duke” - apparently will seek asylum in a country other than the United States in a decision that has less to do with ideology and more to do with baseball’s marketplace.

Under major league baseball rules, the 28-year-old former star pitcher for the Cuban national team could not become a free agent if he came to the United States, but he could if he got residency in another nation.

Other Cuban defectors, with non-U.S. residency, have negotiated signing bonuses on the free-agent market. Hernandez’s half-brother, pitcher Livan Hernandez of the Florida Marlins, earned a $2.5 million bonus as a free agent.

Washington granted Orlando Hernandez political asylum on Wednesday, but on Thursday he asked the Bahamas for asylum and apparently is lining up options in other countries as well.

“I’ve just spoken to Orlando and they are all going to remain here for the time being,” said Vernon Burrows, deputy director of immigration for the Bahamas.