Get to know Nats prospect Orlando Ribalta

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Nationals No. 29 prospect Orlando Ribalta got an introduction to the Major Leagues last season when he debuted on Aug. 13, 2024, and appeared in four games out of the bullpen.

This Spring Training, the righty reliever is making a strong impression in Grapefruit League action. Ribalta has thrown 2 1/3 scoreless innings across his first two appearances, including four strikeouts and zero walks.

“He’s been really good,” said manager Dave Martinez. “Here’s another guy that doesn’t understand how effective he could be. Everything that he does really plays. He’s got a good [vertical movement] on his fastball. He’s got a good two-seamer. His changeup is really, really good. The thing is attacking the strike zone with him, and he’s been doing that so far.”

Get to know Ribalta, who turns 27 years old on Wednesday, off the field in this Q&A.

MLB.com: When you were growing up, what did you want to be?

Ribalta: “It was always baseball. Down in Cuba, it was always baseball since pretty much I was like four. … It’s the main sport in Cuba. All around the streets, that’s what you see everyone playing.”

Who was your favorite player?

“I never really had one growing up. But right now, I like Aroldis Chapman. I train with him. … Obviously he has a God-given talent, but he’s a man that works really hard on his craft. You see the results on the mound every time he pitches.”

How old were you when you moved to Miami?

“When I moved from Cuba, I was 12. … It was like arriving in Mars. It was different -- the environment, the big city and stuff like that. You don’t get that in Cuba, especially coming from a small town like I did. It’s like a whole different new world.”

What was the biggest key to adjusting?

“The language, in the beginning. There were so many kids in school. Everything felt so distant. When you get dropped off at school, you felt so distant because over there in Cuba, everyone is so connected and everything is so small. That was pretty much the biggest thing.”

How do you think being fluent in Spanish and English helps you in the bullpen and in this clubhouse?

“You can communicate better with the guys and create a cool relationship. You’re able to keep both sides, the Latin side, and then communicate with the guys from here. It’s cool. It doesn’t limit you.”

When you are warming up, what’s your favorite song?

“I listen to a lot of Cuban music. Bebeshito is a new guy that’s coming up now.”

What is your secret talent besides baseball?

“I like music, I just can’t sing [laughs]. If I was able to sing, I would never shut up. But talent -- I like fishing, too.”

If you could perform on a stage with any musical artist in a concert, who would you want to duet with?

“I love Adele. Her voice is crazy.”

What song would you sing with Adele?

“Someone Like You. It gets deep on you.”