A record 33 Cubans graced the major leagues in 2022, there is a very good possibility that record might be broken. I am going to elaborate on five more Cubans that might debut on the grand stage this year eclipsing the previous record. So far 29 Cubans have seen action in MLB this season.
Here are five Antilleans that could see the show later this season:
1. With upcoming trade deadline look for the Miami Marlins to have another firesale thereby getting rid of Jazz Chisholm, opening up the way for Víctor Mesa Jr to see the outfield in Little Havana. The son of Serie Nacional legend Victor Mesa is hitting .264 with 14 doubles, 13 homeruns, 48 runs batted in and five stolen bases in 75 games with Jacksonville (AAA) and Jupiter (A) this season.
2. Pedro León has been an absolute terror with bat this season with the Sugarland Space Cowboys, in 86 games this with the Houston minor league club the outfielder has 104 hits, 21 doubles, 2 triples, 17 longballs, 71 RBIs, 21 stolen bases and a .305/.381/.528/.909. With his gaudy 4.5 international signing bonus expect León to debut this season in the Space City or be used as a trade chip during the trade deadline.
3. Yosimar Cousin was signed last year to a minor league contract by the White Sox in which he was given a 100K bonus with another 2M in deferred money 1.2M if he makes the majors by 2025 or 625K if he stays in the minors. The right-hander from Camagüey, Cuba has an electric repertoire, but has has issues with his control. This season he had a very good spring training in which he posted a 1-1 record with a 2.70 earned run average, but then was inexplicably designated for assignment. Despite the setback he might still see the big leagues after posting a 2.61 ERA in 18 games in the minors this season.
4. Franco Alemán is very interesting prospect, the right-hander from Sancti Spíritus, Cuba has struck batters at very high volume this season, fanning 24 batters in 13⅓ innings at Columbus (AAA). The 10th round pick of Cleveland could be an interesting call-up and aid the Guardians’ bullpen late in the season. His 42% strikeout percentage and 1.13 WHIP are sterling.
5.César Prieto has been torturing minor pitching at Springfield (AAA) all year, a,farm team in St. Louis’ farm system. The infielder is slashing .308/.355/.500/.855 with 12 homeruns in 80 games this season. Although there is a log jam in the Cardinals’ infield on the big club, Prieto might just be a late season call-up. The main piece of the Jack Flaherty trade last season should be in main stay in the redbirds infield in the near future.
Other Cubans who have an outside shot of making the majors are Edgar Quero, Andy Rodríguez, JC Escarra
Cubans that have seen action in the majors this season:
- Adrián Morejón LHP (SD)
- Dairon Blanco OF (KC)
- Jorge Soler OF (SF)
- Nestor Cortés LHP (NYY)
- Raisel Iglesias RHP (ATL)
- Daysbel Hernández RHP (ATL)
- Julio Pablo Martínez OF (ATL)
- Yennier Cano RHP (BAL)
- Cionel Pérez LHP (BAL)
- Yoan Moncada 3B (CHW)
- Luis Robert Jr OF (CHW)
- Oscar Colás OF (CHW)
- Brayan Ramos IF (CHW)
- Andy Ibáñez IF (DET)
- José Abreu 1B (HOU)
- Yordan Álvarez OF-DH (HOU)
- Yariel Rodríguez RHP (TOR)
- Aroldis Chapman LHP (PIT)
- Yasmani Grandal C (PIT)
- Yandy Díaz 1B (TAM)
- Randy Arozarena OF (TAM)
- Adolis García OF (TEX)
- Andy Pagés OF (LAD)
- Miguel Vargas (LAD)
- Vladimir Gutierrez RHP (MIA)
- Aledmys Díaz IF-OF (OAK)
- José Iglesias IF (NYM)
- Yosver Zulueta RHP (CIN)
- Lourdes Gurriel Jr OF (ARI)
Of Cuban descent:
- Nolan Arenado 3B (STL)
- Ryan Fernández RHP (STL)
- Carlos Rodón LHP (NYY)
- J.D. Martínez DH (NYM)
- Alek Manoah RHP (TOR)
- Nick Castellanos OF (PHI)
- Romy González IF-OF (BOS)
- Tristón Casas 1B (BOS)
- Alex Faedo RHP (DET)
- Nick Fortes C (MIA)
- Zach Neto SS (LAA)
- Carlos Rodríguez RHP (MIL)
- David Villar INF (SF)