Plenty of players that are of Cuban descent have an opportunity to make ballclubs as non-roster invitees. The biggest name of course or the elephant in the room is Yuli Gurriel, who signed yesterday with the San Diego Padres. But there are other names that could surprise and make an impact on their team’s roster.
Gurriel has a very good chance to make the Padres when they break camp based on his versatility. The native of Sancti Spíritus, Cuba will not only be a lockeroom leader, but could also be an impact bat in spurts and a key hitter off the bench. The infielder did that for the Royals last season down the stretch. Gurriel is a respected veteran and has a good opportunity to win a title in San Diego.
César Prieto could make the Cardinals out of camp with an impressive spring. The infielder slashed .279/.318/.445/.763 with 14 homeruns with 56 RBIs in 129 games at Triple-A (Memphis). The Cuban’s versatility in the infield might also win him a spot when the team breaks camp. Prieto has worked on his physique this offseason and on his craft the last two winters in the LIDOM with the Águilas Cibaeñas.
Ernesto Martínez Jr has been in the Brewers’ farm system for seven seasons and re-signed with the club as minor league free agent. Over his tenure with the brew crew he has hit .262 with 50 homeruns, 223 runs batted in and has stolen 85 bases. Although he might not make the team out of spring training he might be called up with an impressive start to the season in the minors.
Lázaro Montes hit .288 in 448 visits to the batter’s box last season between A and A+ ball. In total he played 116 games where he hit 21 home runs and knocked in 105 runs. This year he could start the season either in Double A or Triple-A. He also exhibited a remarkable slash line of .397/.484/.881. These numbers confirm Montes as a rising talent with great potential to make an impact in the near future.
Players of Cuban heritage that are non-roster invitees:
Arizona Diamondbacks:
C Adrián Del Castillo*
C Aramis García*
San Diego Padres:
IF Yuli Gurriel
C Anthony Vilar*
Cincinnati Reds:
IF Sal Stewart Jr*
Toronto Blue Jays:
RHP Lázaro Estrada
Tampa Bay Rays:
IF Coco Montes*
Minnesota Twins:
IF Armando Álvarez*
Chicago White Sox:
C Edgar Quero
Houston Astros:
C Bryan Lavastida*
Cleveland Guardians:
IF Yordys Valdés
Atlanta Braves:
IF-OF Eddy Álvarez *
Kansas City Royals:
C Omar Hernández
Oakland Athletics:
RHP Pedro Santos
Miami Marlins:
OF Albert Almora*
Seattle Mariners:
OF Lázaro Montes
Milwaukee Brewers:
IF Raynel Delgado
IF Ernesto Martínez Jr
Pittsburgh Pirates:
IF Malcom Núñez
St. Louis Cardinals:
IF César Prieto
IF José Barrero
New York Yankees:
IF George Lombard Jr*
Washington Nationals:
IF Yohandy Morales*
*Cuban-American