With the MLB Top 100 Prospects being released recently three players of Cuban heritage have made this list. Cuban-Americans Sal Stewart Jr (Reds) and George Lombard Jr (Yankees), while Cuban born Lázaro Montes (Mariners) managed to make their way into the top 100.
Stewart Jr has already debuted in the big leagues, while Montes and Lombard Jr could see the grand stage this season all depends on how they perform this upcoming season on the farm with their perspective ballclubs.
With a combination of players defecting from the island and the children of Cuban exiles expected more than the near 50 combined players of Cuban heritage to see action in the major leagues this upcoming season. With the current winds of change blowing in Cuba expect a big opening on the horizon for the nation’s baseball.
22. IF Sal Stewart Jr (Reds)- Stewart debuted in the majors last season hitting .255 with five homeruns and eight RBIs in 15 games with the big club. The Reds’ top prospect looks like a future cornerstone for the team because of his big bat. In 118 games in the minors he slashed .309/.383/.524/.907 with 20 longballs and 80 runs batted in between AA-AAA. The 2025 Futures Game participant is better for first base on the defensive side of the ball due to his lack of foot speed.
Scouting grades: Hit: 60 | Power: 55 | Run: 40 | Arm: 55 | Field: 45 | Overall: 55
32. SS George Lombard Jr (Yankees)- The Cuban-American shortstop could debut in the big leagues this season. Many scouts say the Lombard has a better blend of offensive prowess and defensive skills than current big league shortstop Anthony Volpe. With his sweet right-handed swing and defensive range Lombard projects as a two-way player. Last season between A+and AA he swatted 41 extra-base hits and knocked in 45 runs.
Scouting grades: Hit: 45 | Power: 55 | Run: 55 | Arm: 55 | Field: 60 | Overall: 55
43. OF Lázaro Montes (Mariners)- Montes has some big power. The slugger projects to start the season at Arkansas (AA), where he finished last season. In total last season Montes swatted 32 homeruns between A+ and AA. The 2025 Futures Game participant isn’t an astute fielder, but does have a cannon of arm in rightfield. Last season Montes did have 14 assists. Although he struck out 28.9% of the time and has defensive lapses the native of Havana has an outside shot to debut in the majors next season.
Scouting grades: Hit: 45 | Power: 65 | Run: 35 | Arm: 60 | Field: 45 | Overall: 55