Dominican Republic national police are searching for a former Chicago Cubs minor-leaguer in connection with a homicide.

The Cubs signed outfielder Josefrailin Alcántara as an international amateur free agent in January 2022 for a reported $500,000. Alcántara, 18, is now wanted in a shooting death in his native Dominican Republic, according to reports from the country.

The Cubs said they have released Alcántara.

“We were made aware of a death investigation involving one of our recently released minor-league players,” senior vice president of communications Julian Green said in a statement to the Tribune. “We cannot provide further comment until we have additional details.”

Local police have been searching for Alcántara after he allegedly killed his friend, Darwin Diaz Valerio, on May 19 because of a $150,000 debt the man owed to Alcántara, according to Dominican newspaper Diario Libre. Police allege the two men were in a car together when an argument occurred. Alcántara reportedly was shot in his hand and then twice shot at Diaz Valerio, who died.

Police say Alcántara was treated at a medical center and then fled.

Alcántara appeared in 40 games last year in the Dominican Summer League for the Cubs Blue team. He produced a .136/.282/.254 slash line.

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