{{Short description|Venezuelan baseball player (born 1990)}} {{family name hatnote|Cuevas|Osorio|lang=Spanish}} {{Use mdy dates|date=June 2024}} {{Infobox baseball biography |name = William Cuevas |image = William Cuevas (51012549591) (cropped).jpg |caption = Cuevas with the [[Portland Sea Dogs]] in 2015 |team = Free agent |number = |position = [[Pitcher]] |birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1990|10|14}} |birth_place = [[Turmero]], [[Aragua]], [[Venezuela]] |bats = Switch |throws = Right |debutleague = MLB |debutdate = April 21 |debutyear = 2016 |debutteam = Boston Red Sox |debut2league = KBO |debut2date = March 23 |debut2year = 2019 |debut2team = KT Wiz |debut3league = CPBL |debut3date = August 16 |debut3year = 2025 |debut3team = CTBC Brothers |statyear = 2018 season |statleague = MLB |stat1label = [[Win–loss record (pitching)|Win–loss record]] |stat1value = 0–3 |stat2label = [[Earned run average]] |stat2value = 8.06 |stat3label = [[Strikeout]]s |stat3value = 24 |stat2year = 2025 season |stat2league = KBO |stat21label = [[Win–loss record (pitching)|Win–loss record]] |stat21value = 55–45 |stat22label = [[Earned run average]] |stat22value = 3.93 |stat23label = [[Strikeout]]s |stat23value = 704 |stat3year = 2025 season |stat3league = CPBL |stat31label = [[Win–loss record (pitching)|Win–loss record]] |stat31value = 0–1 |stat32label = [[Earned run average]] |stat32value = 15.26 |stat33label = [[Strikeout]]s |stat33value = 7 | teams= * [[Boston Red Sox]] ({{mlby|2016}}) * [[Detroit Tigers]] ({{mlby|2017}}) * [[Boston Red Sox]] ({{mlby|2018}}) * [[KT Wiz]] ({{kboy|2019}}–{{kboy|2025}}) * [[CTBC Brothers]] ({{baseball year|2025}}) |awards= * [[Korean Series]] champion ({{kboy|2021}}) }}

'''William Enrique Cuevas Osorio''' {{small|[kway'-vahss / oh-so'-re-o]}} (born October 14, 1990) is a Venezuelan professional [[baseball]] [[pitcher]] who is a free agent. He has previously played in [[Major League Baseball]] (MLB) for the [[Boston Red Sox]] and [[Detroit Tigers]], in the [[KBO League]] for the [[KT Wiz]], and in the [[Chinese Professional Baseball League]] (CPBL) for the [[CTBC Brothers]]. Listed at {{convert|6|ft|2|in|m}} and {{convert|215|lb|kg}}, Cuevas throws right-handed and is a [[switch hitter]]. He has also played for the [[Colombia national baseball team]].

==Career== ===Boston Red Sox=== ====Minor leagues==== Cuevas was signed by the [[Boston Red Sox]] as an international free agent on June 2, 2009. He spent two-and-a-half seasons with the [[Dominican Summer League Red Sox|DSL Red Sox]] spanning 2009–2011, before joining the [[Gulf Coast League Red Sox|GCL]] rookie team late in 2011. He then was promoted to the [[Class A Short Season|Low–A]] [[Lowell Spinners]] in 2012, and played with them for the entire season.<ref name=WCu>{{Cite web|url=https://www.soxprospects.com/players/cuevas-william.htm|title=William Enrique Cuevas &#124; SoxProspects.com|website=www.soxprospects.com}}</ref>

Cuevas emerged during his first season with Lowell, as he posted eight wins and two losses in 77⅓ [[innings pitched|innings]] of work, [[strikeout|striking out]] 72 batters while [[base on balls|walking]] only 15 for a solid 4.80 [[Strikeout-to-walk ratio|SO/BB ratio]]. He also set a Spinners record for the lowest [[earned run average]] (ERA) in a regular season, as his 1.40 ERA bested the 1.50 mark set by [[Kyle Weiland]] in 2008.<ref>{{cite web|last=Crowell |first=Jim |url=http://news.soxprospects.com/2012/09/cup-of-coffee-pawsox-clinch-playoff.html |title=SoxProspects.com – William Cuevas made history |publisher=News.SoxProspects.com |date=September 2, 2012 |access-date=December 14, 2013}}</ref> In addition, Cuevas ranked in the top of several statistical categories in the [[New York–Penn League]], tying for first in wins, for second both in ERA and innings, and for third in strikeouts.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/leader.cgi?type=pitch&id=6d3b01e3 |title=2012 New York-Pennsylvania League pitching leaders |publisher=Baseball-Reference.com |access-date=December 14, 2013}}</ref>

Cuevas was promoted to the [[Class A-Advanced|High–A]] [[Salem Red Sox]] in 2013 but struggled for most of the year. He posted an 8–9 record and a 5.05 ERA in 26 starts, while striking out 109 and walking 40 in 135⅓ innings.<ref name=WCu/> He returned to Salem in 2014, but spent two stints on the [[disabled list]], including one that lasted roughly a month. He then went 2–6 with a 4.70 ERA in 24 appearances (10 starts), including 80 strikeouts and 32 walks in 95⅓ innings.<ref name=WCu/>

Cuevas gained a promotion to the [[Double-A (baseball)|Double-A]] [[Portland Sea Dogs]] in 2015, where he was used strictly as a [[starting pitcher|starter]] and had a solid season, becoming one of five Sea Dogs players selected for the [[Eastern League (1938–2020)|Eastern League]] All-Star team.<ref name=2015EasternLeagueAllStarTeam>{{cite web |url= http://news.soxprospects.com/2015/07/five-sea-dogs-chosen-for-eastern-league.html |title=Five Sea Dogs chosen for Eastern League All-Star team}} ''SoxProspects.com. ''Retrieved on July 2, 2015.</ref> Overall, he was 8–5 with a 3.40 ERA in 19 starts for Portland, including 91 strikeouts and 41 walks in 95⅓ innings. He then joined the [[Triple-A (baseball)|Triple-A]] [[Pawtucket Red Sox]] in early August,<ref name=WCu/> and ended his season on a high note. Cuevas went 3–2 with a 2.63 ERA in seven starts for Pawtucket, striking out 37 and walking 14 in 41 innings. As a result, he completed his seventh season in the Sox [[farm team|farm system]] setting career highs in wins (11), innings pitched (136⅓) and strikeouts (128), tying for the most wins in the system while ending second in strikeouts and seventh in innings.<ref>[http://www.soxprospects.com/stats/pitching.php?split=0&page=1&sortby=YR&team=0&year=2015&type=1&min=0 2015 Boston Red Sox Minor League Baseball pitching statistics]. ''SoxProspects.com.'' Retrieved on April 20, 2016.</ref>

====Major leagues==== Cuevas started the 2016 season with Triple-A Pawtucket. His contract was purchased by the Red Sox and he was added to their [[40-man roster]] on April 20.<ref>[http://fullcount.weei.com/sports/boston/baseball/red-sox/2016/04/20/red-sox-make-series-of-roster-moves-to-help-bullpen/ Red Sox make series of roster moves to help bullpen]. ''WEEI.com''. Retrieved on April 20, 2016.</ref> Cuevas made his MLB debut the next day, pitching {{frac|2|1|3}} innings of relief against the [[Tampa Bay Rays]], giving up three hits and two runs while taking the loss.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/2016/B04210BOS2016.htm |title=Tampa Bay Rays 12, Boston Red Sox 8 |website=[[Retrosheet]] |date=April 21, 2016 |access-date=July 2, 2018}}</ref> He made two other appearances with Boston during the season, both in June. Overall, with the [[2016 Boston Red Sox season|2016 Red Sox]], Cuevas made three appearances with a 3.60 ERA in five innings pitched, striking out three and walking six. He also pitched 25 games (18 starts) with Pawtucket, compiling a 6–8 record with 4.19 ERA in 131 innings pitched. He became a [[free agent]] after the season on November 7.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Minor League Free Agents 2016|url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/minor-league-free-agents-2016/?amphtml|access-date=May 29, 2023|website=baseballamerica.com|date=November 8, 2016 |language=en}}</ref>

===Detroit Tigers=== On November 19, 2016, Cuevas signed a minor league contract with the [[Detroit Tigers]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/minor-league-transactions-nov-12-18/#Cdo3LoKr4XPZbC2h.97|title=Minor League Transactions: Nov 12-18|last=Eddy|first=Matt|work=baseballamerica.com|date=November 21, 2016|access-date=November 21, 2016}}</ref> The Tigers purchased Cuevas's contract on April 13, 2017, adding him to their active roster.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://detroit.cbslocal.com/2017/04/13/tigers-option-joe-jimenez-purchase-contract-of-william-cuevas/|title=Tigers Option Joe Jimenez, Purchase Contract Of William Cuevas|date=April 13, 2017|access-date=April 14, 2017}}</ref> He made his only appearance with the Tigers the next day, pitching {{frac|1|3}} of an inning against the [[Cleveland Indians]], allowing four runs on three hits.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.retrosheet.org/boxesetc/2017/B04140CLE2017.htm |title=Detroit Tigers 7, Cleveland Indians 6 |website=[[Retrosheet]] |date=April 14, 2017 |access-date=July 2, 2018}}</ref> He declined an outright assignment to Triple-A on June 1, 2017, and elected free agency.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2017/06/william-cuevas-elects-free-agency-tigers.html |title=Minor MLB Transactions: 6/1/17 |first=Steve |last=Adams |date=June 1, 2017 |website=mlbtraderumors.com}}</ref>

===Miami Marlins=== On June 7, 2017, Cuevas signed a minor league deal with the [[Miami Marlins]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://marlinmaniac.com/2017/06/08/miami-marlins-latest-acquisition-william-cuevas/ |title=Miami Marlins latest acquisition: RHP William Cuevas |first=Michael |last=Napoles |website=marlinmaniac.com |date=June 8, 2017 |access-date=July 2, 2018}}</ref> He played for the Triple-A [[New Orleans Baby Cakes]], appearing in 15 games (11 starts) with a 2–7 record and 5.43 ERA. Cuevas elected free agency following the season on November 6.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Minor League Free Agents 2017|url=https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/minor-league-free-agents-2017/?amphtml|access-date=July 15, 2023|website=baseballamerica.com|date=November 7, 2017 |language=en}}</ref>

===Boston Red Sox (second stint)=== On January 5, 2018, Cuevas signed a minor league contract with the Red Sox.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.fenwaynation.com/2018/01/red-sox-sign-william-cuevas-to-minor.html |title=Red Sox Sign William Cuevas To Minor-League Contract |website=fenwaynation.com |date=January 5, 2018 |access-date=July 2, 2018}}</ref> He was assigned to Triple-A and made 15 appearances (all starts) with Pawtucket through July 1, compiling a 5–5 record with 3.65 ERA in {{frac|86|1|3}} innings pitched. The Red Sox selected his contract on July 2, adding him to their major league roster.<ref name=JulyTrans/> Cuevas made his season debut with Boston the next day, pitching two innings against the [[Washington Nationals]], allowing one run on two hits;<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.espn.com/mlb/boxscore?gameId=380703120 |title=Red Sox vs. Nationals - Box Score |website=[[ESPN]] |date=July 3, 2018 |access-date=July 3, 2018}}</ref> he was optioned back to Triple-A the following day.<ref name=JulyTrans/> Cuevas was recalled back to Boston on July 8, and without making an appearance was optioned back to Triple-A on July 10.<ref name=JulyTrans>{{cite web |url=http://m.redsox.mlb.com/roster/transactions/2018/07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180703050457/http://m.redsox.mlb.com/roster/transactions/2018/07 |url-status=dead |archive-date=July 3, 2018 |title=Red Sox Roster & Staff – Transactions |website=[[MLB.com]] |date=July 2018 |access-date=July 10, 2018}}</ref> Boston activated Cuevas on August 11, as their 26th player for a [[Doubleheader (baseball)|doubleheader]] against the [[Baltimore Orioles]]; he pitched in relief in the second game, and was returned to Triple-A the following day.<ref name=AugTrans>{{cite web |url=http://m.redsox.mlb.com/roster/transactions/2018/08 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180804075821/http://m.redsox.mlb.com/roster/transactions/2018/08 |url-status=dead |archive-date=August 4, 2018 |title=Red Sox Roster & Staff – Transactions |website=[[MLB.com]] |date=August 2018 |access-date=August 12, 2018}}</ref> Cuevas was called up to Boston on September 1, when [[September call-ups|rosters expanded]].<ref name=SeptTrans>{{cite web |url=http://m.redsox.mlb.com/roster/transactions/2018/09 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180902011828/http://m.redsox.mlb.com/roster/transactions/2018/09 |url-status=dead |archive-date=September 2, 2018 |title=Red Sox Roster & Staff – Transactions |website=[[MLB.com]] |date=September 2018 |access-date=September 1, 2018}}</ref> Cuevas finished the season with an 0–2 record and 7.41 ERA with Boston, while making nine appearances (one start) and striking out 20 in 17 innings. Cuevas was not included on Boston's postseason roster.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.nj.com/yankees/index.ssf/2018/10/red_sox_set_roster_for_division_series_vs_yankees.html |title=MLB playoffs 2018: Boston Red Sox set 25-man roster for ALDS vs. New York Yankees |first=Randy |last=Miller |website=[[NJ.com]] |date=October 5, 2018 |access-date=October 5, 2018}}</ref>

===KT Wiz=== On November 20, 2018, Cuevas was granted his unconditional release so he could sign with the [[KT Wiz]] of Korea's [[KBO League]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2018/11/red-sox-outright-austin-maddox-release-william-cuevas.html|title=Red Sox Outright Austin Maddox, Release William Cuevas|last=Todd|first=Jeff|work=mlbtraderumors.com|date=November 20, 2018|access-date=November 20, 2018}}</ref> Cuevas produced a 13–10 record with a 3.62 ERA and 135 strikeouts over 184 innings in 2019. He re-signed with KT for the 2020 season for $900,000 (and $100,000 in incentives).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ktwiz.co.kr/sports/site/baseball/magazine/article_view.do?iidx=122957|title=kt wiz¸ 외국인 투수 쿠에바스와 내년 시즌도 함께한다|website=[[KT Wiz]]|date=December 2, 2019|access-date=December 2, 2019}}</ref> On December 13, 2020, Cuevas re-signed with the Wiz for the 2021 season on a one-year $750K contract with a mutual option for the 2022 season.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2020/12/kbos-kt-wiz-re-sign-william-cuevas-2.html|title = KBO's KT Wiz Re-Sign William Cuevas| date=December 13, 2020 }}</ref> In November 2021, Cuevas was designated as the starting pitcher for the first game of the Korean Series in franchise history. He earned the win, pitching {{frac|7|2|3}} innings and giving up one run on seven hits, with eight strikeouts. He was named MVP of the game.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sportsseoul.com/news/read/1076633|title='쿠에바스 완벽투' KT, 1차전 승리 우승 확률 75.7% 잡았다[KS1]|date=November 14, 2021|access-date=November 15, 2021}}</ref> On December 30, 2021, Cuevas re-signed with the Wiz for the 2022 season on a one-year contract worth up to $1.1 million.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20211230002600315?section=news|title=Korean Series champs KT Wiz retain starters Despaigne, Cuevas|website=[[Yonhap News Agency]]|date=December 30, 2021|access-date=December 30, 2021 |last1=Jee-Ho |first1=Yoo }}</ref> He suffered an elbow injury following his second start of the season, and was later released by the club on May 18, 2022.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20220518005100315|title=Defending KBO champions KT Wiz release pitcher Cuevas, sign ex-MLB lefty Benjamin|website=[[Yonhap News Agency]]|date=May 18, 2022|access-date=May 18, 2022 |last1=Jee-Ho |first1=Yoo }}</ref>

===Diablos Rojos del México=== On July 14, 2022, Cuevas signed with the [[Diablos Rojos del México]] of the [[Mexican Baseball League|Mexican League]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://diablos.com.mx/pitcher-william-cuevas-llega-a-los-diablos-rojos/|title=PITCHER WILLIAM CUEVAS LLEGA A LOS DIABLOS ROJOS|work=diablos.com.mx|language=Spanish|accessdate=July 18, 2022}}</ref> He made one appearance for the Diablos in 2022, surrendering 4 earned runs in {{frac|2|3}} innings of work.

===Los Angeles Dodgers=== On April 3, 2023, Cuevas signed a minor league contract with the [[Los Angeles Dodgers]] organization.<ref>{{Cite web|title=William Cuevas signed with the Dodgers|url=https://en.ultimasnoticias.com.ve/news/sports/williams-cuevas-signed-with-dodgers/|access-date=April 8, 2023|website=en.ultimasnoticias.com.ve|date=April 4, 2023 |language=en |last1=Romero |first1=Gerardo Javier }}</ref> Cuevas made 11 appearances (nine starts) for the Triple–A [[Oklahoma City Dodgers]], registering a 6.14 ERA with 43 strikeouts in 44 innings of work.

===KT Wiz (second stint)=== On June 9, 2023, Cuevas was signed by the [[KT Wiz]] of the [[KBO League]].<ref>{{Cite web|title=KT Wiz reunite with pitcher Cuevas|url=https://m-en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20230609005600315|date=June 8, 2023|website=m-en.yna.co.kr|language=en |last1=Jee-Ho |first1=Yoo }}</ref> Cuevas was voted Player of the Month for August 2023, going 5–0 in five starts that month, giving up only two earned runs in 36 innings, for an ERA of 0.50. For the month of August 2023, he led all qualified KBO starters in wins and ERA, and was ranked second in strikeouts.<ref>{{cite news |last=Yonhap |first= |date=September 11, 2023 |title=Wiz ace Cuevas voted KBO's top player for August |url=https://www.koreaherald.com/view.php?ud=20230911000323 |work=Korea Herald |location= |access-date=September 20, 2023}}</ref> In 18 starts for the team in 2023, he registered a 12–0 record and 2.60 ERA with 100 strikeouts across {{fraction|114|1|3}} innings of work.

On December 7, 2023, Cuevas re-signed with the Wiz on a one-year, $1.5 million contract.<ref>{{Cite web|title=KT Wiz reunite with ex-KBO MVP Rojas, re-sign ace Cuevas|url=https://m-en.yna.co.kr/view/AEN20231207006200315|access-date=December 20, 2023|website=m-en.yna.co.kr|date=December 7, 2023 |language=en |last1=Jee-Ho |first1=Yoo }}</ref> He made 31 starts for the team in 2024, compiling a 7–12 record and 4.10 ERA with 154 strikeouts across {{fraction|173|1|3}} innings pitched.

On November 29, 2024, Cuevas re–signed with the Wiz on a $1.5 million contract.<ref>{{Cite web|title=William Cuevas Re-Signs With KT Wiz|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2024/11/william-cuevas-re-signs-with-kt-wiz.html|access-date=November 29, 2024|website=mlbtraderumors.com|date=November 29, 2024 |language=en}}</ref> He made 18 starts for the team in 2025, posting a 3–10 record and 5.40 ERA with 60 strikeouts across {{fraction|98|1|3}} innings pitched. Cuevas was released by the Wiz following the signing of [[Patrick Murphy (baseball)|Patrick Murphy]] on July 12, 2025.<ref>{{Cite web|title=KBO League's KT Wiz Sign Patrick Murphy, Release William Cuevas|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2025/07/kbo-leagues-kt-wiz-sign-patrick-murphy-release-william-cuevas.html|access-date=July 20, 2025|website=mlbtraderumors.com|language=en}}</ref>

===CTBC Brothers=== On July 26, 2025, Cuevas signed with the [[CTBC Brothers]] of the [[Chinese Professional Baseball League]]; he and [[Jesús Vargas (baseball)|Jesús Vargas]] were signed in an attempt to mitigate multiple injuries to other foreign players.<ref>{{Cite web|title=CTBC Brothers Sign William Cuevas and Jesús Vargas|url=http://cpblstats.com/ctbc-brothers-sign-william-cuevas-jesus-vargas/|access-date=August 18, 2025|website=cpblstats.com|language=en}}</ref> In three starts for CTBC, he struggled to an 0–1 record and 15.26 ERA with seven strikeouts across {{fraction|7|2|3}} innings pitched. Cuevas was released by the Brothers on August 31.<ref>{{Cite web|title=2025 August 31 Deadline Foreign Players Release List|url=http://cpblstats.com/2025-august-31-deadline-foreign-players-release-list/|access-date=September 15, 2025|website=cpblstats.com|language=en}}</ref>

==International career== Cuevas was born in Venezuela, and is of Colombian descent through his mother. He played for the [[Colombia national baseball team]] at the [[2017 World Baseball Classic|2017]] and [[2023 World Baseball Classic]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlive.com/tigers/2017/02/william_cuevas_colombia.html|title=New Tiger William Cuevas, a Venezuelan, will pitch for Colombia in WBC|first=Evan|last=Woodbery|date=February 23, 2017|website=mlive}}</ref>

==See also== * [[List of Major League Baseball players from Venezuela]]

==Sources== {{reflist}}

==External links== {{baseballstats |mlb=571035 |espn=34894 |br=c/cuevawi01 |fangraphs=13331 |brm=cuevas001wil |retro=C/Pcuevw001}} *{{Instagram|willcuevas1|William Cuevas}}

{{Colombia roster 2017 World Baseball Classic}} {{Colombia roster 2023 World Baseball Classic}} {{Portal bar|Biography|Baseball|Venezuela}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Cuevas, William}} [[Category:1990 births]] [[Category:Living people]] [[Category:Boston Red Sox players]] [[Category:CTBC Brothers players]] [[Category:Detroit Tigers players]] [[Category:Diablos Rojos del México players]] [[Category:Dominican Summer League Red Sox players]] [[Category:Gulf Coast Red Sox players]] [[Category:KBO League pitchers]] [[Category:KT Wiz players]] [[Category:Leones del Caracas players]] [[Category:Lowell Spinners players]] [[Category:Major League Baseball pitchers]] [[Category:Major League Baseball players from Venezuela]] [[Category:21st-century Venezuelan sportsmen]] [[Category:New Orleans Baby Cakes players]] [[Category:Oklahoma City Dodgers players]] [[Category:Pawtucket Red Sox players]] [[Category:People from Turmero]] [[Category:Portland Sea Dogs players]] [[Category:Salem Red Sox players]] [[Category:Baseball players from Aragua]] [[Category:Tiburones de La Guaira players]] [[Category:Toledo Mud Hens players]] [[Category:Venezuelan expatriate baseball players in Mexico]] [[Category:Venezuelan expatriate baseball players in South Korea]] [[Category:Venezuelan expatriate baseball players in Taiwan]] [[Category:Venezuelan expatriate baseball players in the Dominican Republic]] [[Category:Venezuelan expatriate baseball players in the United States]] [[Category:Venezuelan people of Colombian descent]] [[Category:2017 World Baseball Classic players]] [[Category:2023 World Baseball Classic players]] [[Category:World Baseball Classic players of Colombia]]