Two ex-big league prospects have reappeared in the American Association looking to revive their careers. They are outfielder Yoelqui Céspedes with the Fargo-Moorehead RedHawks and righty Norge Luis Ruiz with the Cleburne Railroaders. Céspedes was recently released by the Chicago White Sox, while Ruiz failed to catch on in the Liga Mexicana de Béisbol this spring.
The outfielder was #1 ranked prospect of the International signing period of 2020, when he signed for $2M dollars with the team from the Southside of Chicago. Yoenis Céspedes’ younger brother defected from the Cuban National Team during an incursion and worked out in the Bahamas until he was declared a free agent by MLB.
In his three seasons in the Sox’s farm system he slashed .253/.331/.410/.741 while also hitting 35 longballs and driving in 123 runs. Although he has plenty of raw power the native of Yara, Cuba struck out an eye-popping 379 times in 1,168 at-bats during his time in Chicago.
RedHawks sign Cuban outfielder Yoelqui Céspedes
📰 https://t.co/0kZDhaZfWW pic.twitter.com/jDg8AddtKU
— Fargo-Moorhead RedHawks (@FMRedHawks) April 24, 2024
During his four seasons in the Serie Nacional he slashed .287/.352/.415/.766, while also hitting 12 homers and driving in 98 runs. Céspedes has seen action in the World Baseball Classic and other international competitions with the Cuban National Team.
Ruiz who is a former big leaguer signed with the Conspiradores de Querétaro earlier this spring but was cut by the Conspiradores de Querétaro. The 2013 Rookie of the Year in the Serie Nacional pitched in the minors with the Oakland Athletics in 2023 and opted for free agency at the end of the season. Ruiz signed with the A’s in 2016 for 2 million as an international free agent.
The right-hander made his MLB debut with Oakland in 2022 pitching in 19 games posting an 0-1 record and a 7.11 earned run average. In 152 minor league game with the Athletics he compiled a 22-20 record, 5.30 ERA and saved five games. In 358 innings pitched on the farm he fanned 262 batters and posted a 1.51 WHIP.
Coming to the mound for the 2024 season, we're thrilled to welcome Norge Ruiz aboard! 🚂⚾ Coming off a solid stint with the Oakland Athletics, Ruiz made his MLB Debut in 2022.#AllAboard #railroaderbaseball #cleburnetx pic.twitter.com/X2p2Isiqkf
— Cleburne Railroaders (@CRRBaseball) April 22, 2024
Cubans in Independent Leagues:
Frontier League:
Guillermo García 1B-OF (Québec)
Yusniel Padrón RHP (Québec)
Willie Escala OF (Sussex)*
Laz Rivera IF-OF (Ottawa)
Heisell Baro RHP (New England)
Atlantic League:
None as of yet
American Association:
Daniel Pérez IF (Sioux City)
Yoelqui Céspedes OF (Fargo- Moorehead)
Norge Luis Ruiz RHP (Cleburne)
Pioneer League:
Rafi Vazquez RHP (Ogden)*
Patrick Meriño C-OF (Boise)
*Cuban-American