With September right around the corner when MLB clubs can expand their rosters to 28 players, we could the inclusion of various players. With the call-up of two players a record would be set for the amount of Cubans called up in a single.
The current record for a single season in an integrated MLB is 33, set in 2022 and 2024. The record for the Negro Leagues and which would now be the current record is 35 set in 1929. With the increased influx of Cubans entering the minor leagues via defections this record could fall within the next few years if this season.
With increased defections of Cuban youth from Sub-12 on up the Cuban market is on the up-and-up. Below I have identified various candidates that could be candidates for a major league call-up in September:
• Bryan Ramos IF (White Sox)- Ramos saw action in the majors last year with the team hitting .202 in 99 games with the big club. The season at Charlotte (AAA) he has hit 14 longballs and knocked in 44 runs in spite of a .225 average over 83 games. He could see the big leagues based on his experience that his numbers.
•Ernesto Martínez Jr IF-OF (Brewers)- The possible first baseman for Cuba in the upcoming WBC has had his season hampered by injuries, if not for that he might have already seen the big leagues. In 70 games with Nashville (AAA) he is hitting .235 with six homers, nine doubles, two triples and 32 runs batted in. Martínez’s versatility and explosive potential might be the main reasons he sees the big leagues this season.
•César Prieto IF (Cardinals)- Might this be the year that this highly touted prospect out of Cuba sees the majors? Many fans and experts have been perplexed as to why Prieto has never graced the grand stage. His slash line of .285/.333/.438/.770 suggest he should have seen the big leagues by now. But having Nolan Arenado, Nolan Gorman and Brandon Donovan would could plenty of people out of the show.
•Víctor Labrada OF (Mariners)- The future centerfielder for Cuba in the upcoming World Baseball Classic hits .282 with seven homers, 19 doubles, two triples, 36 stolen bases and 41 runs batted over 102 games between AA-AAA this season. In my opinion Labrada is the closet to being called up of the lot.
Cubans that played in MLB this season:
1. Lourdes Gurriel Jr LF (Arizona)
2. Daysbel Hernández RHP (Atlanta)
3. Raisel Iglesias RHP (Atlanta)
4. Yennier Cano RHP (Baltimore)
5. Cionel Pérez LHP (Baltimore)
6. Aroldis Chapman LHP (Boston)
7. Luis Robert OF (Chicago White Sox)
8. Miguel Vargas IF (Chicago White Sox)
9. Edgar Quero C (Chicago White Sox)
10. Dairon Blanco OF (Kansas City)
11. Yoan Moncada IF (LA Angels)
12. Jorge Soler OF (LA Angels)
13. Víctor Mederos RHP (LA Angels)
14 Andy Pagés OF (LA Dodgers)
15. Yuli Gurriel IF (San Diego)
16. José Iglesias IF (San Diego)
17. Adrián Morejón LHP (San Diego)
18. Randy Arozarena OF (Seattle)
19. Yandy Díaz IF (Tampa Bay)
20. Adolis García OF (Texas)
21. Yariel Rodríguez RHP (Toronto)
22. Lázaro Estrada RHP (Toronto)
23. Orlando Ribalta RHP (Washington)
24. Andy Ibáñez IF (Detroit)
25. Yordan Álvarez OF-DH (Houston)
26. Néstor Cortés Jr LHP (Milwaukee-San Diego)
27. Victor Mesa Jr OF (Miami)
28. José Barrero IF-OF (St. Louis)
29. Yosver Zulueta RHP (Cincinnati)
30. Yanquiel Fernández OF (Colorado)
31. Luis Danys Morales RHP (Athletics)
32. Johan Oviedo RHP (Pittsburgh)