A total of 22 teams have promoted Cubans to the last 10 MLB seasons. At the top of that list these clubs is a surprising combination: the Houston Astros and the St. Louis Cardinals, both with five Cubans called up for their debut in the best baseball in the world at this stage.
In the case of the Astros, their presence was expected, in an organization that has been generous with the signing of Cuban talent in recent years. Of these, the following have made their Major League debut in the period stated: Yuli Gurriel (2016), Cionel Pérez (2018), Yordan Álvarez (2019), Rogelio Armenteros (2019), and Pedro León (2024).
What is surprising is seeing the Cardinals share the top spot over the last 10 years, thanks to five players: Aledmys Díaz (2016), Adolis García (2018), Rangel Ravelo (2019), Randy Arozarena (2019), and Johan Oviedo (2020). Of this group, only Aledmys had time to establish himself in the team and even attend an All-Star Game. Above all, the cases of Adolis and Arozarena are remembered, prospects who had brief stints on St. Louis’s roster and who, with greater on-field presence, became stars with their next teams, the Rangers and Rays, respectively.
Close behind the Astros and Cardinals are the San Diego Padres and Chicago White Sox, both with four Cubans promoted for their debuts, something expected in both cases given the strong presence of players from the Caribbean nation in their farm systems in recent years. Before closing, it’s important to clarify. In this article, we’re talking about Cubans promoted for their MLB debuts in the last 10 years, not those who have debuted. Ronnier Mustelier, from Santiago de Cuba, and Miguel Romero, from Guantanamo, were included even though they ultimately did not see any playing time in the majors.
Cubans that have been promoted to the MLB in the last 10 seasons:
St. Louis Cardinals: Aledmys Díaz (2016), Adolis García (2018), Rangel Ravelo (2019), Randy Arozarena (2019), Johan Oviedo (2020)
Houston Astros: Yuli Gurriel (2016), Cionel Pérez (2018), Yordan Álvarez (2019), Rogelio Armenteros (2019), Pedro León (2024)
Chicago White Sox: Luis Robert Jr. (2020), Oscar Colás (2023), Bryan Ramos (2024),Edgar Quero (2025)
San Diego Padres: Adrián Morejón (2019), Michel Báez (2019), Ronald Bolaños (2019), Jorge Oña (2020)
Baltimore Orioles: Ariel Miranda (2016), Néstor Cortés (2018), Yusniel Díaz (2022)
Toronto Bluejays: Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (2018), Yariel Rodríguez (2024), Lázaro Estrada (2025)
CincinnatiJ Reds: José Barrero (2020), Vladimir Gutiérrez (2021), Yosver Zulueta (2024)
Los Ángeles Dodgers: Darién Núñez (2021), Miguel Vargas (2022), Andy Pagés (2024)
Atlanta Braves: Ronnier Mustelier (2016 *), Daysbel Hernández (2023)
Los Ángeles Angels: José Miguel Fernández (2018), Víctor Mederos (2023)
Washington Nationals: Yadiel Hernández (2020), Orlando Ribalta (2024)
Texas Rangers: Andy Ibáñez (2021), Julio Pablo Martínez (2023)
Oakland Athletics: Miguel Romero (2021 *) Norge Ruiz (2022)
Chicago Cubs: Gerardo Concepción (2016)
Seattle Mariners: Guillermo Heredia (2016)
Boston Red Sox: Yoan Moncada (2016)
Cleveland Indians: Yandy Díaz (2017)
Arizona Diamondbacks: Yoan López (2018)
Minnesota Minnesota: Yennier Cano (2022)
Kansas City Royals: Dairon Blanco (2022)
Miami Marlins: Víctor Mesa Jr. (2025)
Colorado Rockies: Yanquiel Fernández (2025)
*Called up but did not see playing time.