With various Cubans becoming free agent after the World Series, things could become interesting in the coming months. A few key bats and various pitchers could help various ballclubs for the upcoming season.
The biggest available Cuban bat is that of Jorge Soler. The slugger opted out of a contract with the Miami Marlins after astonishing season with the lumber. Soler not only swatted 36 homers, but also garnered the first All-Star selection of his career. The outfielder also drove in 75 runs out of the leadoff position and posted a robust .511 slugging percentage. Soler has been nominated as finalist for the Silver Slugger Award as a designated hitter in the National League.
Lourdes Gurriel Jr is another attractive name in free agency is that of Lourdes Gurriel Jr, the youngest of the renown Gurriel clan. The leftfielder is not only a big bat, but one of the best fielders at his position. “Yunito” as he is known by the Cuban faithful hit .261 with 24 homeruns, 35 doubles, 82 runs batted in and slashed .309/.468/.772 on the season.
Jorge Soler is opting out of his contract with the Marlins & will become a free agent, per @CraigMish pic.twitter.com/R2JcLfQNTa
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) November 2, 2023
Cuban-American J.D. Martínez who is also a Silver Slugger Award finalist as a DH in the National League might draw a lot interest from plenty of ballclubs. The native of Miami, Fl was also an All-Star and went downtown 33 times, while also driving in 103 runs and hitting a solid .271 on the campaign.
Yariel Rodríguez heads up the list of pitchers in this year’s free agent class. According to scouting reports, the “Gallero de San Serapio” is valued at 50 million and does not have any type of restriction impeding his possible signing because he is over 25 years old and has played six years in a professional league. Rodríguez was solid and borderlining spectacular in his starts in the World Classic.
During that tournament the righty tossed 7⅓ allowing two earned runs and striking out 10 batters. Although he did not factor in any decision he posted a 2.45 earned run average, but did walk an alarming six batters during his two starts in the tournament. In 54.2 innings of work last season in the NPB Rodriguez gave up only seven earned runs. The right-hander had a 1.15 earned run average during 2022 and fanned 60, while only walking 18.
Cuban RHP Yariel Rodriguez (26) was declared free agent by the MLB Commissioner's Office, per sources.
Rodríguez will be able to sign with a Major League team starting today.
On March 28 he began his journey towards a new path. Seven months later he already has the way to sign.… pic.twitter.com/pttcH6o6SZ
— Francys Romero (@francysromeroFR) November 3, 2023
During that campaign he did not allow a long ball and was named the reliever of the year in the land of the rising sun. The righty also tallied 39 holds and notched six victories in 2022. The only reason the Rodriguez was not the team’s closer was because Raidel Martínez his countrymen held that role. The hurler’s fastball hit 100 miles per hour on the radar during one of his outings with the Chunichi in 2022.
Aroldis Chapman, who is the best Cuban closer of all-time will be available on the open market during the offseason. Last campaign the hard-throwing lefty won six games, saved six games and posted a 3.09 earned run average. The native of Holguín, Cuba also fanned 103 batters in 58 ⅓ innings. Chapman also posted 20 holds in 2023. At 35 years of age the southpaw can still throw 100-mph fastball and could serve as a closer for plenty of teams next season.
Notable Cuban free agents this offseason:
Jorge Soler OF
J.D. Martínez DH/OF*
Lourdes Gurriel Jr OF
Yariel Rodríguez RHP
Aroldis Chapman LHP
Nick Martinez RHP*
Yasmani Grandal C
Yuli Gurriel IF
Chi Chi González RHP*
Adeiny Hechavarria SS
Leonys Martin OF
Roenis Elías LHP
*Cuban-American