Wednesday, November 4, 2026

The Pitcher Who Went From FedEx Driver To MLB

  • Reliever Jose Cuas took a job delivering packages to support his family before the Royals called him up.
  • The infielder-turned-pitcher nearly quit baseball after being released twice.
Kansas City Royals

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

Jose Cuas went from delivering FedEx packages to delivering pitches for the Royals.

On Tuesday, the infielder-turned-reliever made his MLB debut during Kansas City’s 8-3 loss to the Guardians. It was the biggest step in a journey that saw the 27-year-old nearly quit baseball after twice being released.

Originally selected by the Brewers in the 11th round of the 2015 MLB Draft as an infielder, Milwaukee converted the righthander to a pitcher before releasing him a year later.

Cuas later signed with the Diamondbacks but was released in March of 2020, prompting thoughts of ending his playing career.

Instead, he trained at night while working as a FedEx driver in Brooklyn to support his family — and was eventually signed by the Royals out of the Dominican Winter League. 

On May 30, Kansas City selected Cuas from Omaha of the International League, and he pitched a scoreless inning with one strikeout in his MLB debut.

“It’s a dream come true, being a kid from New York, everything I’ve been through in my playing career, to be here in a Major League stadium,” Cuas told reporters.

Download the FOS App

The business of sports, in your pocket.

QR code to download the app

Scan the QR code to get the app now.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

MLB Raises Salary Cap Offer, Pushes Start Back to 2028

Management is continuing its ardent push for a hard cap and floor.

Pro Sports Owners Back GOP in Senate Battleground Races

Nine key races Tuesday will decide control of the Senate.

MLB Free Agency Opens, Eight Players Get Qualifying Offers

Uncertainty continues to loom over MLB’s offseason player market.

MLB Player Market Races Against Expected Lockout on Dec. 1

Contract option decisions begin what will be a compressed player market.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

11/3/26 – First CFP Rankings, Wilbon Steps Away, NFL Coaching Hot Seats

0:00

Featured Today

How Injuries Hit Pro Marathoners in the Wallet

Staying healthy can get expensive—quickly.
Football - NFL - Houston Texans v Jacksonville Jaguars - Wembley Stadium, London, Britain - October 18, 2026 The necklace of a Jacksonville Jaguars fan outside the stadium before the match
October 21, 2026

Die-Hard Sports Fandom Has Reached the Afterlife

Will fans pay $6,000 to memorialize their team loyalty?
October 20, 2026

Why Europe Is Pumping Out NBA Superstars

The NBA and NCAA have an increasingly European flavor.
October 15, 2026

College Flag Football Is Outgrowing Its DIY Era

Women have been building the college game themselves at the club level.
Oct 5, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Penguins general manager Kyle Dubas arrives at the arena before the Penguins host the Winnipeg Jets at PPG Paints Arena
October 12, 2026

NHL’s New Wave of GMs Is Built Different

“I am in the prediction business,” Devils GM Sunny Mehta tells FOS.
Oct 10, 2026; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin (71) looks on during warm-up before the game against the Montreal Canadiens at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit:

Dylan Larkin’s Trade Demand Comes With a $41K Daily Price Tag

Larkin is playing an expensive waiting game, holding out for a trade.
October 28, 2026

Golf and Tennis See Big Gains in Youth Sports Participation

Youth participation in flag football also keeps growing.
October 30, 2026

Pro Marathoners Grapple With the Sport’s Pervasive Doping Problem

Pros and coaches tell FOS the ripple effects last for years.
Sponsored

How Jeremy Bloom Is Reinventing the X Games

Jeremy Bloom discusses transforming the X Games into a global brand.
October 28, 2026

Saquon Barkley Opposes 18-Game NFL Season: ‘Hell of a Sport’

The Eagles RB cited player health.
Exclusive
October 28, 2026

NFL Told Saquon Barkley to Divest Polymarket Stake

“I was in it before, but no bueno,” Barkley told FOS.
Sponsored

How the New York Yankees Stay Game-Ready with Sage Intacct

See how Sage Intacct helps the Yankees streamline finances and plan for the future.
October 25, 2026

Jackson Contract Standoff Looms Over Ravens As Team Treads Water

The two-time MVP missed his third straight game.