César Prieto has been highly touted prospect since he defected before the 2020 Olympic Qualifying Tournament in West Palm Beach, the infielder made his escape shortly upon the Cuban squad’s arrival at Miami International Airport.
The talented youngster signed in January of 2022 with the Baltimore Orioles and slashed .273/.314/.404/.718 with 11 longballs and 58 runs batted in during his first season in the minors with the ballclub. Earlier this year during the trade deadline Prieto was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals as part of the Jack Flaherty trade.
In 2023 primarily at AA-AAA with the Orioles and Cardinals he slashed .323/.366/.446/.813 with 10 homers, 69 RBIs and nine stolen bases. Currently Prieto is the 14th ranked prospect in the redbirds organization. This winter he is playing in the Dominican Winter League with the Águilas Cibaeñas and hitting .351 to start off the campaign.
César Prieto trajo la cuarta vuelta de las @aguilascibaenas 🦅👏🏻#LIDOM #CopaBanreservas pic.twitter.com/LeiryVfvGs
— LIDOM (@LIDOMRD) October 29, 2023
This is your first participation in a winter league, talk to us about your experience in these first games.
I can truly tell you that I held this league in a high regard, to be honest my expectations were exceeded. I think this is a league where you can learn a lot, there are young and experienced players with all that combined, I think it is a great opportunity for me to develop as a player.
You started horribly, at the leadoff spot position, they had to moved down in the order and you flourished. Did moving down spark your bat?
Not really, it’s not that difficult to play baseball you know. They moved me in the line-up because of the defense and what scouting has seen. But everything is for the benefit of the team, I’m here for whatever the team needs.
You are 0-for- 8 with runners in scoring position and have left 18 teammates on base. Could you tell me what needs to change in your approach during these situations?
No, the approach is good. The opportunities have simply arisen and I have not been able to produce. But I think the league is just starting and there is still a lot more season ahead. I am making the adjustments as we speak.
What position do you feel most comfortable playing in the infield?
My position is to play. Wherever they put me, I feel comfortable.
There are many Cubans playing in Dominican Winter League. Give us your opinion about the quality of the Cuban baseball player in general?
The Cuban player has performed well in every league this year. Right now we have a clear example in the Major Leagues, where we have won an MVP (in the American League Championship Series) in three out of the last four years. I think the Cuban player has the ability to triumph in any league worldwide.