In Two Languages, Diamondbacks Catcher Iván Luciano Spoke His Baseball Dreams Into Reality

Ten years ago, back in Puerto Rico, the thought of Luciano carrying on a full 30-minute interview in English would’ve felt far-fetched. But ask anyone who knows the 18-year-old, and they’ll say the same thing: He’s endlessly curious and eager to grow in any way that might shape him into a better player and a better person.

From the moment he set his sights on becoming a professional baseball player, Luciano understood that learning English wasn’t just helpful—it was essential. That would be especially so as a catcher who’d need to communicate with English-speaking pitchers in the showcase circuit.

“I need to be able to communicate with them, and knowing what their best stuff is, how they’re feeling and knowing him as a person outside the field,” Luciano said. “Those little things were going to be a game separator between me and the other guys. I knew learning both languages would be a game-changer for me.”

That sentiment rings especially true now, as Luciano—Arizona’s second-round pick in the 2024 draft—officially begins his professional journey. He spent his first season in the instructional league at the D-backs’ Scottsdale complex before earning an assignment to the Arizona Complex League, a melting pot of international teenagers, many living in the United States for the first time.

Being thousands of miles from home, far from family and the familiarity of your culture, is a daunting challenge for any young player chasing an MLB dream. Luciano understands that reality deeply, and he takes pride in being bilingual, using his English skills to help bridge the gap between Spanish-speaking teammates and the coaching staff.

It’s a trait that has stood out within the D-backs organization.

“It’s invaluable having someone of his character and willingness to be that teammate,” Diamondbacks farm director Chris Slivka said. “He’s going to see that skill pay off more and more as he moves up the ladder.”

Luciano’s spark to learn English came in 2017 when his family relocated briefly to Florida to escape Hurricane Maria, which caused major damage to Puerto Rican infrastructure. Luciano, who at the time was in sixth grade, picked up the language relatively quickly in the three months he spent in the United States.

His interest in learning the language never died. When he was back home, he pushed himself more by watching TV shows and movies in English while keeping the subtitles in Spanish. He never shied away from speaking it in public, even if his heavy accent sometimes got in the way of pronouncing words.  

It’s a testament to Luciano’s willingness to put himself in positions where he’s not comfortable, because ultimately it would make him into a better player in person. That same mindset came into play when Luciano began taking his baseball career more seriously.

Baseball wasn’t as accessible in Luciano’s hometown of Rincón, Puerto Rico as it was in other parts of the island. The coastal town of just over 15,000 is better known for its world-class surfing waves than for producing baseball prospects.

If Luciano wanted a chance to be seen, he’d have to take a risk. So, he and his family decided it was best for him to move near Puerto Rico’s capital of San Juan for a chance to be put on the prospect map.

Luciano moved in with his trainer, Emilio Torres, and dedicated the next year to baseball. Each day consisted of splitting time between the weight room and the field for 6-7 hours a day. On the weekends, he’d play in games and would talk to his family consistently.

At the same time all of this was happening, Luciano’s dad, Humberto, moved to New York to work as a chef in a restaurant to help support the family, which also included Iván’s mother, Martiza, and his sister, Paula. Humberto wanted to make sure Iván had financial support to chase his dreams, like playing in tournaments in the U.S. and covering any expenses he needed for his training.

Even at a young age, Luciano knew it was a luxury to have such an important support system. It was a benefit he didn’t take lightly.

“I was putting myself in a position that those sacrifices could be in vain,” Luciano said. “I want to give my best, no matter if I am getting drafted or going to school. Knowing at the end that I did my best despite all those sacrifices that they made was huge, like leaving the family being away, I know that I cannot take that for granted.”

That’s why, when he heard his name called by the D-backs in the second round of last year’s draft—much higher than most had projected—tears began to stream down his face.

In that moment, the weight of every sacrifice came rushing in—the time spent away from his parents, the risks he took by stepping out of his comfort zone and the countless moments when his curiosity drove him to grow both as a player and as a person. It had all finally paid off.

“It was a dream come true,” Luciano said. “Very grateful for the opportunity, because I know it’s an opportunity once in a lifetime. To be able to accomplish my dreams of being a big leader. That was very exciting.”

Luciano has been one of the more impressive catchers in the Arizona Complex League so far in 2025. His defense is his calling card thanks to a strong arm for his age, but he continues to work on his receiving and framing. He’s made strides offensively, hitting the ball harder than his profile suggested while developing a swaggier confidence at the plate as a lefthanded-hitting catcher.

“I can’t say enough about his curiosity and willingness to learn,” Slivka said. “He’s improved his defensive skill behind the plate, receiving, catching and throwing.

“Offensively, he’s really starting to settle into his at-bats and get into a rhythm. It’s definitely being noticed how he’s starting to adjust to pro pitching.”

Luciano’s professional journey is just beginning, but his aspirations reach far beyond the rookie leagues. He draws inspiration from the Puerto Rican catchers who came before him. Names like Geovany Soto, Christian Vázquez and, of course, the legendary Yadier Molina—all trailblazers who showed that elite catching can come from the island. 

Now, Luciano is determined to follow in their footsteps and carve out a legacy of his own, while hoping to open doors for other people on the island who want to be in that position.

He has one message for those players currently grinding it out back in Puerto Rico—words he felt were best delivered in his native language.

“Realmente, tienen que trabajar muy duro,” Luciano dijó. “No te compares con nadie, sigue tu propio camino y ten mucha disciplina. Rodéate de las personas correctas, porque al final del día, si tienes a las personas adecuadas contigo, te van a hacer una mejor persona y pelotero.”

(“Honestly, you have to work really hard,” Luciano said in Spanish. “Don’t compare yourself to anyone—follow your own path and have a lot of discipline. Surround yourself with the right people, because at the end of the day, if you have the right people around you, they’ll make you a better person and a better ballplayer.”)