Former West Indies batsman Kieran Powell targets move to MLB

Former West Indies batsman Kieran Powell could soon be making the move to Major League Baseball after having a series of ‘try-outs’ in the USA.

The 25-year-old scored three Test centuries in 40 innings at an average of 27.48 and also played in 28 ODIs and a Twenty20 match during a five-year international cricket career.

But after investigating the potential of making the move into baseball last year, Powell has spent some time in the United States and is currently training with the New York Mets at 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 News HQ.

"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."

Powell has been working with Mets hitting coach Jack Voigt, who admits he has been impressed by the dedication he has shown.

"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," said Voigt.

"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].

"Kieron has the ability and dedication to go out and learn and that is what we are working on."

'Footage of Kieran Powell playing for @EssexBaseball courtesy of @SouthRiseTV'?