Narbe Cruz was a below the radar international free agent signing by the Houston Astros in 2021 for 218K and injuries have stunted the young infielder’s development. The native of Havana has good size and ton of physical tools that could be developed.
Last season the 21-year-old Cuban saw his first full season of action in the minors and slashed .263/.331/.373/.704 in 62 games at Fayetteville (Low-A). He also hit four longballs, drove in 26 runs and stole two bases. Expect Cruz to start the season at Ashville (High-A).
Yesterday Cruz was a call-up from minor league camp and made his spring debut against the Tigers. Cruz entered the game as a defensive replacement late in the game and laced a key single in the bottom of the eighth to help Houston’s cause in their 5-3 loss to Detroit.
El prospecto de los @astros Narbe Cruz nos habló hoy después de ver su primera acción en Spring. #pelotacubana #Astros #SpringTraining #MLB pic.twitter.com/BBPHLVVlgm
— Yusseff305 🇨🇺🇺🇲 (@yusseff305) March 11, 2024
What did you work on during the offseason?
The first thing was to gain more weight, get stronger and stay healthy. That was what I worked on the most in the offseason.
Do you have any expectations for this season?
You know, there are many expectations, but what you have to do is work hard every day and let God’s will handle the rest .
You saw your first action in Spring Training, you even had a key hit in today’s game even though you lost. Tell me about the approach you used in that at-bat.
The scouting report said that the pitcher throws a lot of sinkers in the 93-96 mph range, so the coach told me to attack the first fastball I saw. The first delivery was a slider, I recognized it and let it pass, then he threw a sinker to the floor and I didn’t swing at that either. I already knew he was coming with the fastball and that was my best opportunity to hit the ball.
There are several key Cuban players on this team, such as Yordan and José Abreu. Have they given you any advice on how to play at this level?
Yes, they always talk to me and give me advice on how to take care of my body in a long season because the most fundamental thing for me is that, taking care of your body will allow you to play the entire season and do your job well.
Has the team told you yet which level you will start the season at?
No, I don’t know yet. I’m just preparing hard day by day. They will decide where I am going to start at the end of the spring.
Do you have any goals for this upcoming season?
Yes, my goal is to stay healthy. When you are healthy, you can go as far as you want.