Two more Cubans signed contracts in the Independent Leagues of America. Infielder Rolando Espinosa with the Lincoln Saltdogs of the American Association, joining his countrymen Yusniel Díaz and Franny Cobos on the squad. Leam Méndez on the other hand signed with Kansas City Monarchs also of the American Association.
Espinosa, a 24-year-old native of Ciego de Ávila,Cuba will make his debut in the independent circuit after five seasons in the minors with the Houston Astros (2018-2019, 2022-2024). Over that period of time he hit a putrid .205 (1041-213) in 338 games. He scored a total of 140 runs and drove in 122, with 44 doubles, seven triples and 23 home runs. His ability to steal bases stood out, swiping 92 bases in 119 attempts (77.3% ).
Méndez, also from Ciego de Ávila was released by the New York Yankees organization in 2023 and days later signed a minor league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays. He pitched at the Rookie, Class A and Advanced A levels during that year, always in relief roles. During the 2023 season, he accumulated 34.1 innings of work in 22 outings, two wins and one loss with an ERA of 2.36, 33 strikeouts, 18 walks and a WHIP of 1.17, but was let go after the season. This winter righty pitched with Mayagüez of the LBPRC posting a 9.00 ERA.
Cubans in Independent leagues:
American Association:
Yusniel Díaz OF Lincoln Saltdogs
Franny Cobos RHP Lincoln Saltdogs
Rolando Espinosa IF Lincoln Saltdogs
Leam Méndez RHP KC Monarchs
Rogelio Quesada RHP Fargo-Moorhead
Frontier League:
Heisell Baro LHP New England*
Atlantic League:
No Cubans on rosters
Intercounty League of Canada:
Yadian Martínez RHP (Kitchener)
Yankiel Mauri RHP (Kitchener)
Andy Vargas RHP (Kitchener)
Yosvani Peñalver OF (Kitchener)
Yordan Manduley IF (Kitchener)
Yunior Ibarra C (Kitchener)