Lourdes Gurriel Jr., outfielder for the Arizona Diamondbacks, recently shared his ideal Cuban baseball team, made up of players he has seen and based on their prime years. His lineup features a mix of legendary Cuban league stars and standout MLB players.
First Base: José Abreu
José Abreu is one of the most accomplished Cuban hitters in MLB history. He left Cuba in 2013 after dominating the Cuban National Series with Cienfuegos, where he once hit .453 with 33 home runs in just 66 games. In 2014, he won AL Rookie of the Year with the Chicago White Sox, and in 2020, he earned the American League MVP award.
Abreu is a three-time MLB All-Star and has hit over 250 home runs in his big league career. Known for his power and consistency at the plate, he also won a Silver Slugger and has been a key figure in representing Cuban talent in the majors.
MLB Career: .283 AVG 1587 HITS 263 HR 960 RBI
Second Base: Yuli Gurriel
Yuli Gurriel, Lourdes’ older brother, had a legendary career in Cuba before signing with the Houston Astros in 2016. He played for Industriales for over a decade and was known as one of Cuba’s top all-around players. He helped Cuba win gold at the 2004 Olympics and silver at the 2006 World Baseball Classic.
In MLB, Gurriel became a two-time World Series champion with the Astros and won the AL batting title in 2021. That same year, he also won a Gold Glove. Even in his 40s, he remained part of a major league roster, showing his long-lasting skill and work ethic.
MLB Career: .278 AVG 956 HITS 98 HR 471 RBI
Shortstop: José Iglesias
José Iglesias began his career in Cuba before signing with the Red Sox in 2009. He’s known for his defense, quick hands, and highlight-reel plays.
In the majors, Iglesias has played for multiple teams, including the Tigers, Reds, and Angels. He was an All-Star in 2015 and is respected as one of the best defensive shortstops of his era. While not a power hitter, he’s had a long MLB career due to his glove and veteran leadership.
*MLB Career: .281 AVG 1163 HITS 51 HR 402 RBI
Third Base: Omar Linares
Omar Linares is considered by many as the best third baseman in Cuban baseball history. He started playing for Pinar del Río as a teenager and was a star throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Linares hit over .350 for his career in the Cuban league and was known for his power, eye at the plate, and defense.
Internationally, he represented Cuba in three Olympics and helped the team win gold medals in 1992 and 1996. Although he never played in MLB, his talent was well-known worldwide. His impact on Cuban baseball remains strong. He is one of the biggest “what ifs” in baseball history..
Cuban National Series: .384 AVG 981 HITS 156 HR 584 RBI
Catcher: Ariel Pestano
Ariel Pestano is one of the best catchers to ever play in the Cuban National Series. He spent his entire career with Villa Clara and was known for his defense, strong arm, and leadership behind the plate.
Pestano played for Cuba in multiple international events, including the Olympics and the World Baseball Classic. He helped the national team win gold at the 2004 Athens Olympics and silver in 2008. Though he never played in MLB, he was widely respected as a top-tier catcher.
Cuban National Series: .291 AVG 1261 HITS 126 HR 753 RBI
Outfield: Yoenis Céspedes
Yoenis Céspedes played for Granma in the Cuban league and was known for his power and athleticism. He hit 33 home runs in a season in Cuba before defecting in 2011. He signed with the Oakland A’s and made an immediate impact in the big leagues.
Céspedes was a two-time Home Run Derby champion and made two All-Star teams. He had 165 career MLB home runs and played for the A’s, Red Sox, Tigers, and Mets. Injuries cut his career short, but at his peak, he was one of the most feared hitters in baseball.
MLB Career: .273 AVG 870 HITS 165 HR 528 RBI
Outfield: Leonys Martín
Leonys Martín played for Villa Clara in Cuba before leaving in 2010. He was known for his speed and defense in center field. In Cuba, he hit over .300 and was one of the top young outfielders before making the jump to MLB.
In the majors, Martín played nine seasons with teams like the Rangers, Tigers, and Mariners. He was a strong defender with a good arm and also spent time playing in Japan. Gurriel Jr. said Martín is his favorite player, praising his energy and leadership on the field.
MLB Career: .244 AVG 617 HITS 58 HR 228 RBI
Outfield: Jorge Soler
Jorge Soler left Cuba in 2011 after showing big-time power as a teenager. He signed with the Cubs and later found success with the Royals and Braves. Soler led the National League in home runs in 2019 with 48.
His biggest moment came in the 2021 World Series, when he hit three home runs and won Series MVP with the Braves. Soler has over 170 career homers and is known for his raw strength. He currently plays for the San Francisco Giants.
*MLB Career: .229 AVG 887 HITS 197 HR 532 RBI
Designated Hitter: Frederich Cepeda
Frederich Cepeda is one of the most respected hitters in Cuban baseball history. He played for Sancti Spíritus for over 20 seasons and hit more than 300 home runs in the Cuban league. Cepeda was known for his plate discipline, power, and ability to hit in clutch moments
He represented Cuba in four World Baseball Classics and won multiple medals in international play, including Olympic silver and bronze. Though he never played in MLB, Cepeda is considered one of the best Cuban hitters of his generation.
Cuban National Series: .335 AVG 2072 HITS 307 HR 1207 RBI
Stats via Baseball Reference I *Active in MLB