In a season where 33 Cuban born players saw action in Major League Baseball, tying a record,13 other players of Cuban descent also graced diamonds around MLB. With the constant migration of Cubans to the United States and the neverending defections of players with enough talent to sign to a professional baseball organizations expect this revolving door of talent to continue for years to come.
Yordan Álvarez of the Houston Astros headlined the Cuban talent in the world’s best baseball. The slugger from Las Tunas, Cuba hit a solid .308 with 170 hits, 34 doubles, 35 longballs and 86 runs batted in. The outfielder also slashed .392/.567/.959. When it is said and done Álvarez could be the best hitter to migrate to the major from the Serie Nacional.
This campaign seemed to be the year of the Cuban reliever. Atlanta’s Raisel Iglesias saved 30 games for the fifth time and his career, while also eclipsing the 200 save mark. The right-hander from the Isle of Youth also posted a career-low 1.95 earned run average and also won six games.
Yennier Cano of the Orioles (34 holds) hit 30 holds for the second straight season, while Pittsburgh’s Aroldis Chapman (5 wins,14 saves, 22 holds) had the most complete season by a Cuban reliever. Although the left-hander’s ERA was a mediocre 3.79 he still managed to close the season with 7 straight saves and posted a 1.35 earned run average over that span.
Cuban-American Carlos Rodón had a nice season and could be a candidate for the comeback player of the year in the American League. The Yankees’ lefty not only lead the team in wins with 16 but also in strikeouts with 195. The native of Miami also sported a 3.95 ERA and a 1.22 WHIP on the campaign. Rodón will definitely play a key role the Bronx Bombers in their upcoming American League Divisional Series against the Royals.
Another Miamian, Zach Neto is a the second player of Cuban descent that had a spectacular season. Although he hit a middling .249 the infielder swatted 58 extra-base hits (23 homeruns, 34 doubles, 1 triple) and drove in 77 runs. Neto also stole 30 bases and posted a .761 OPS in his second season in the majors. The Angels brass believes that they have found themselves a shortstop for at least the next decade in the form of the young South Florida native.
Cubans:
- Adrián Morejón LHP (SD)
- Dairon Blanco OF (KC)
- Yuli Gurriel IF-DH (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)
- Bryan Ramos IF (CHW)
- Andy Ibáñez IF (DET)
- José Abreu 1B (HOU)
- Yordan Álvarez OF-DH (HOU)
- Pedro León (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-HOU)
- José Iglesias IF (NYM)
- Yosver Zulueta RHP (CIN)
- Lourdes Gurriel Jr OF (ARI)
- Victor Mederos RHP (LAA)
- Orlando Ribalta RHP (WAS)
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)
- Nick Martínez RHP (CIN)
- 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)
- Adrián Del Castillo C (ARI)