Lázaro Montes (Mariners) was recently selected to participate in the MLB All-Star Futures Game. This selection serves as an excuse to review how the Cuban presence in these competitions abd how they have subsequently impacted the best baseball in the world.
Montes is the 36th Cuban to be selected to the game, and, looking at the statistics, his chances of moving up to the Big Show have increased considerably, judging by historical trends. Considering those selected through 2024, of the 35 Cubans who have played in the All-Star Futures Game, 30 made it to the Majors, an impressive 85.7%.
These games began in 1999, then the format was the United States vs. Rest of the World and since 2019, the teams have been divided into the best prospects from the American and National Leagues. Alex Sánchez and Jorge Luis Toca were the first two Cubans to make the during its year of inception
The list would continue to grow, including illustrious names continuesd to grow and future major leaguers such as Danys Báez (2000), José Fernández (2012), Yasmani Grandal (2012), Yuniesky Betancourt (2005), Kendrys Morales (2005), Yunel Escobar (2006), Yandy Díaz (2016), Yoan Moncada (2016 and 2017), Yordan Álvarez (2017 and 2018), Jorge Soler (2013) and Randy Arozarena (2018) would make an appearance in the game.
Among them, Moncada’s performance in 2016 remains unforgettable, when he became the only Cuban chosen MVP of the All-Star Futures Game. Cubans did not appear in the 2002, 2003, 2004, and 2015 editions. Only five Cubans who appeared in these games failed to make their Major League debut.
These include Serguey Linares (2007), Eduardo “Eddie” Morlán (2008), Yadier Álvarez (2017), Yoelqui Céspedes (2021), and Luis Danys Morales (2024), the latter a strong candidate to realize his dream in the near future. Yanquiel Fernández who played in the 2023 game made debut as an MLB player earlier this month.
Cubans who have played in the MLB Futures Game (36):
Catchers (2):
Yasmani Grandal (2012: Padres) y Edgar Quero (2023: White Sox).
Infielders (10):
Yuniesky Betancourt (2005: Mariners), Kendrys Morales (2005: Angels), Yunel Escobar (2006: Braves), Bárbaro Cañizares (2009: Braves), Dayán Viciedo (2009, 2011: White Sox), Yandy Díaz (2016: Indians), Yoan Moncada (2016: MVP, Red Sox); 2017: (White Sox), Yordan Álvarez (2017-2018: (Astros), José Barrero (2021: Reds) y Miguel Vargas (2022: Dodgers).
Outfielders (15):
Alex Sánchez (1999: Brewers), Jorge Luis Toca (1999: Mets), William Ortega (2001: Cardinals), Yonder Alonso (2010-2011: Rojos), Jorge Soler (2013: Cubs), Henry Urrutia (2013: Orioles), Dariel Álvarez (2014: Orioles), Randy Arozarena (2018: Cardinals), Yusniel Díaz (2018: Dodgers), Luis Robert Jr. (2019: White Sox), Pedro León (2021: Astros), Yoelqui Céspedes (2021: White Sox), Oscar Colás (2022: White Sox), Yanquiel Fernández (2023: Rockies) y Lázaro Montes (2025: Mariners).
Pitchers (9):
Danys Báez (2000: Indians), Serguey Linares (2007: Pirates), Eduardo Morlán (2008: Rays), José Fernández (2012: Marlins), Yadier Álvarez (2017: Dodgers), Yoan López (2018: Diamondbacks), Adrián Morejón (2019: Padres), Yosbel Zulueta (2022-2023: Bluejays) y Luis Danys Morales (2024: Athletics).