“We are in negotiations with a few teams at the moment”

Image courtesy of: Zimbio

West Indies opening batsman Kieran Powell could make the transition from international cricket to Major League Baseball (MLB) after undergoing a number of try-outs in the United States.

Powell, who has represented the West Indies in 21 Tests, 28 ODIs and one Twenty20 International, started thinking about the move last year and is currently training with the New York Mets, who are in the midst of their winter training camp in Florida.

“Some of my footage was sent out last summer to some of the Major League teams and the coach from the [Los Angeles] Dodgers saw some potential.” Powell told Sky Sports. “We are in negotiations with a few teams at the moment.

“I was seen by 14 teams last week, so that is pretty much half of Major League Baseball.”

Mets hitting coach Jack Voigt, who has been working closely with Powell, admitted that he has been impressed with the dedication and determination the 25-year-old has shown thus far.

“The thing that stands out for me is his commitment. He has improved on a day-to-day basis and he picks up on the subtleties of the baseball swing very well,” Voigt said. “I don’t know cricket that well but I have seen some similarities, although I am not sure if any players have made that transition [from professional cricket to baseball].

“Kieran has the ability and dedication to go out and learn and that is what we are working on.”