MLB Prospect Busted for Fake Identity, Age, Even Death Certificate

A promising baseball prospect from the Dominican Republic has been caught in an elaborate scheme involving a fake identity, forged documents, and a fabricated death certificate. Major League Baseball (MLB) handed down a suspension after uncovering the deception, which involved manipulating records and even creating a fake grave and tombstone in his home country. The player, once highly regarded, operated under a false name and age, shocking those within the sport.

The elaborate fraud surfaced when the Cleveland Guardians agreed to a $2.8 million deal with the infielder, identified at the time as David Severino. The team believed him to be between 13 and 14 years old, with plans to finalize the contract when he reached 17 in 2029. However, subsequent investigations revealed that both his name and age were fabricated.

According to sources cited by ESPN, the player's real name is Dawri David Severino. His alleged scheme included forging a birth certificate, altering medical and school records, and submitting a fraudulent death certificate to support his false persona. The extent of the deception, including the creation of a fake burial site, highlights the lengths to which the player reportedly went to conceal his true identity and age.