Two 18-year-olds playing for the Cuban junior baseball team have likely left the Edmonton area and are making their way to Central America, an agent reveals to CTV News.

Cuban star pitcher Noel Arguelles and shortstop Jose Iglesias have not been seen since their game against Team Canada on Sunday. Team members confirmed to CTV News earlier this week the two teens likely defected.

"These kids want to be able to see their dream to play baseball in the major leagues so this is a way to do it," the agent said, who asked to remain anonymous. "And this is the way they've chosen to do it."

The two teens are likely already in Mexico or the Dominican Republic, he says.

Teams from 12 different countries are currently in Edmonton for the 2008 World Junior Baseball Championship. Games are being held at Telus Field and John Fry Park.

The agent says the players' choice has nothing to do with Cuban politics or freedom, but likely the money associated with landing a major league contract.

Arguelles and Iglesias are likely trying to avoid the Major League Baseball draft thus forcing all 30 teams in the league to make the highest bid for their talents.

Sources close to CTV reveal this could mean a $2 million payday for Arguelles, a pitcher who can throw 93 miles per hour.

The agent said the money gained in a signed contract will likely be filtered down to everyone involved in the escape.

Event organizer Ron Hayter said Tuesday there is no search underway for the missing players.

"We have no indication where they are at this time," he said. "We're sorry about it because we don't like to see these things happen."

Three players from the Cuban team defected in 2000 after the tournament wrapped up in Edmonton.  

More than a dozen scouts from Major League Baseball teams are currently at the Edmonton tournament.

With a report from CTV Edmonton's Dave Mitchell