Pelota Cubana USA dropped a top 30 list of Cuban prospects within the MiLB system. Around 150 active Cuban minor leaguers were analyzed, prioritizing tools, projection, and competitive context, following standards similar to MLB prospect evaluations.
Players up to 27 years old were included under the same criteria used in major prospect rankings. Only players born in Cuba were analyzed, no player of Cuban descent is on this list, basically blue chip prospects like Sal Stewart and George Lombard Jr are in included in this analysis of top Cuban prospects.
This ranking is based on statistics. It represents a snapshot in time and will be updated three times per year: after the first month of the season, after the All-Star Game, and at the end of the season. Several players narrowly missed the list, reflecting the growing depth of Cuban talent in the minor leagues. This is a translation of Yordano Carmona’s Top 30 list written for our sister page Pelota Cubana USA.
#1 -Lázaro Montes
Province: Havana
Current Level: Double-A
Signing Bonus: $2.5 million
Signed: 2022
Highest Level: Double-A
Position: OF / RF
Bats/Throws: Left/Right
Age: 21
Tools (20–80 Scale):
Hit: 45
Power: 65–70
Run: 30–35
Arm: 60
Field: 40–45
Scouting Report:
Montes has established himself as one of the most impactful hitters in the minor leagues, standing out for his natural power, which places him among the top sluggers of his generation. His ability to consistently make hard contact makes him a constant offensive threat, especially when he elevates the ball with authority.
His offensive development will largely depend on his adjustments against advanced pitching, particularly his plate discipline and contact consistency. Defensively, he projects as a corner outfielder where his arm can provide value, while his bat has the potential to produce at an impact level in MLB.
#2 -Kendry Rojas:
Province: Ciego de Ávila
Current Level: Triple-A
Signing Bonus: $200,000
Signed: 2020
Highest Level: MLB
Position: Pitcher
Throws/Bats: Left/Left
Age: 23
Tools (20-80 scale):
Fastball: 55
Slider: 55
Splitter: 50
Control: 45
Overall: 50
Scouting Report:
Rojas is a left-handed starter profile built around the quality of his fastball and the projection of his secondary pitches when synchronized. He works with a fastball in the mid-90s that can reach 97 mph, with enough life to attack the top of the strike zone.
His slider is his most consistent pitch, generating swing-and-miss ability, while the splitter complements it by inducing weak contact, although its execution can be inconsistent. His biggest issue is his command.
There are stretches where he loses his command in the zone and struggles with sequence efficiently, limiting his ability to work deep into games. Physical interruptions and mechanical adjustments have affected his consistency at higher levels. Still, he flashes the traits of a functional starter with three usable pitches. If command does not improve, a bullpen role could maximize his fastball-slider combination.
#3- Kevin Álvarez
Province: Matanzas
Current Level: Class A
Signing Bonus: $2 million
Signed: 2025
Highest Level: Class A
Position: OF
Bats/Throws: Left/Left
Age: 18
Tools (20-80 scale):
Hit: 60
Power: 55
Run: 50
Arm: 45
Field: 50
Overall: 55
Scouting Report:
Álvarez is considered one of the most advanced talents in his international class, combining physical tools with an advanced baseball IQ uncommon for his age. The son of former Cuban pitcher Lester Álvarez, his upbringing around baseball shows in the details of his game.
His left-handed swing is natural, clean, and capable of driving the ball to all fields. He demonstrates above-average hitting instincts, discipline, and pitch selection, projecting as a future impact bat.
#4 -Diego Tornes
Province: Havana
Current Level: Florida Complex League
Signing Bonus: $2.5 million
Signed: 2025
Highest Level: FCL
Position: OF
Bats/Throws: Switch/Right
Age: 17
Tools (20-80 scale):
Hit: 55
Power: 50
Run: 55
Arm: 55
Field: 50
Overall: 50
Scouting Report:
Tornes is viewed as one of the most intriguing recent international prospects because of his combination of youth, athleticism, and physical tools. At just 17 years old, the Braves outfielder already shows an advanced offensive foundation.
His switch-hitting swing is smooth and coordinated, with quick hands and the ability to produce hard contact. While his early Dominican Summer League numbers were not home-run heavy, his exit velocity metrics suggest significant future power potential.
Defensively, his athleticism allows him to remain in center field for now. However, if physical growth reduces mobility, right field could become his long-term home. His arm already grades as a plus tool.
#5 -Silvano Hechavarría
Province: Holguín
Current Level: Class A
Signing Bonus: $240,000
Signed: 2024
Highest Level: Class A+
Position: Pitcher
Throws/Bats: Right/Right
Age: 23
Tools (20-80 scale):
Fastball: 50
Slider: 55
Changeup: 45
Control: 55
Overall: 45
Scouting Report:
Hechavarría stands out for his pitchability, command, and ability to attack hitters aggressively. His slider is considered his best pitch and gives him swing-and-miss potential. His control is above average compared to many pitching prospects.
His profile may not feature overpowering velocity, but scouts value his consistency and mound intelligence.
His control is above average compared to many pitching prospects. His profile may not feature overpowering velocity, but scouts value his consistency and mound intelligence.
#6– Yandel Ricardo
Province: Ciego de Ávila
Current Level: Class A
Signing Bonus: $2.4M
Signing Year: 2024
Highest Level Reached: Class A
Position: SS
B/T: S/R
Age: 19
Tools (20-80 scale):
Hit: 50
Power: 50
Run: 50
Arm: 50
Field: 55
Overall: 45
Scouting Report:
Yandel Ricardo remains one of the most complete profiles among recent Cuban shortstops, with his value currently rooted in his defense, though his true ceiling will ultimately be determined by his offensive development. At 19 years old, the Royals infielder combines athletic tools with a solid technical foundation, standing out for his ability to hit from both sides of the plate. His swing is fluid, repeatable, and features good hand speed, allowing him to barrel the ball consistently when he makes good decisions at the plate.
The issue has been his aggressiveness. In 2025, he dominated the Arizona Complex League with a .342/.438/.533 slash line, but his jump to Class A exposed his current limitations, as he fell to .212/.279/.268 due to chasing pitches outside the zone, weak contact, and a strong tendency to hit ground balls. Recent mechanical adjustments are aimed at freeing up his hands and generating more impact into the gaps. Defensively, he projects as an above-average shortstop with soft hands, a solid arm, and good game awareness. His future in the Major Leagues will depend directly on the evolution of his offensive game.
#7 Yunior Tur
Province: Santiago de Cuba
Current Level: Triple-A
Signing Bonus: $100K
Signing Year: 2023
Highest Level Reached: Triple-A
Position: P
B/T: R/R
Age: 26
Tools (20-80 scale):
Fastball: 60
Slider: 50
Cutter: 55
Splitter: 55
Control: 40
Scouting Report:
Yunior Tur has gone from being a project arm to one of the most intriguing developments in Oakland’s system, fueled by a legitimate jump in his stuff during 2025. At 23 years old, the 6’6” right-hander builds his profile around power, featuring a fastball that now consistently sits in the mid-90s and can touch 99 mph. His extension allows the pitch to generate life through the zone even from a high release point. That improvement in velocity and overall pitch quality was a key factor in a season where he threw 125.2 innings with a 3.29 ERA and a 24.5% strikeout rate.
The introduction of a low-90s cutter has given him a reliable secondary weapon, while his splitter in the mid-80s remains his most effective pitch for generating swings and misses. The challenge for Tur continues to be his command, as there are stretches where he loses the strike zone and his walk rate climbs. Although he has shown the ability to hold up as a starter, his current profile could fit a high-impact relief role if he is unable to stabilize his control, where his arsenal could play more aggressively in shorter outings.
#8– Jaims Martínez
Province: Camagüey
Current Level: Dominican Summer League (DSL)
Signing Bonus: $900K
Signing Year: 2026
Position: SS
B/T: S/R
Age: 17
Tools (20-80 scale):
Hit: 55
Power: 45
Run: 60
Arm: 55
Field: 60
Overall: 40
Scouting Report:
Jaims Martínez is an athletic shortstop whose profile stands out more for his dynamism and baseball instincts than for imposing physicality. At 17 years old, the Cubs prospect projects as a contact-oriented player with all-around impact, supported by his ability to hit from both sides of the plate. His swing is short, quick, and efficient, designed to put the ball in play consistently while using the entire field.
Although he is not a natural power hitter, he shows an intriguing ability to generate solid contact, with the projection to develop moderate home run totals as he adds strength. His offensive approach is more focused on getting on base and creating pressure with his speed than on producing slugging numbers. Defensively, Martínez has strong arguments to remain at shortstop long term, thanks to his quick hands, explosive first step, clean actions, and enough arm strength to complete plays from different angles.
#9– Lisbel Díaz
Province: Pinar del Río
Current Level: Class A+
Signing Bonus: $50K
Signing Year: 2023
Highest Level Reached: Class A+
Position: OF
B/T: R/R
Age: 20
Tools (20-80 scale):
Hit: 45
Power: 45
Run: 55
Arm: 60
Field: 55
Overall: 40
Scouting Report:
Lisbel Díaz is an outfielder who has built his value around offensive production and physical tools that are still in the process of being refined. At 20 years old, the Giants prospect is coming off a season in which he led his league in hits and doubles, a reflection of his ability to put the ball in play and generate hard contact consistently. His swing is aggressive and pull-oriented, allowing him to drive fastballs with authority, but it also exposes a clear weakness against breaking pitches.
He possesses enough strength to project average power, with the possibility of growing into near-20 home run production if he can adjust his approach and improve his pitch selection. The main challenge lies in his plate discipline, as he frequently expands the strike zone. Defensively, he has shown he can hold his own in center field thanks to his speed and instincts, though his profile could also fit in a corner outfield spot. His arm is a standout tool, showing both strength and accuracy that have already translated into multiple assists. His long-term projection will depend on how much he can refine his offensive approach.
#10– Jordan Sánchez
Province: Matanzas
Current Level: Class A
Signing Bonus: $450K
Signing Year: 2023
Highest Level Reached: Class A
Position: OF
B/T: L/R
Age: 20
Tools (20-80 scale):
Hit: 45
Power: 55
Run: 45
Arm: 50
Field: 45
Overall: 40
Scouting Report:
Jordan Sánchez has been one of the most productive hitters among recent Cuban prospects since the beginning of his professional career, with a profile clearly built around power. Signed by Baltimore after leaving Cuba in 2023, he has consistently produced offensively, first standing out in the Dominican Summer League and later establishing himself as the MVP of the Florida Complex League in 2025 with an OPS near .950. His offensive impact comes from a combination of plate discipline and quality contact, featuring a walk rate close to 15 percent and a left-handed swing with natural loft that allows him to generate extra-base hits consistently.
The main area for adjustment is the consistency of his contact. His offensive profile includes a high volume of swings and misses, with strikeout rates between 25 and 30 percent, which creates questions about his transition to higher levels. Defensively, his value is limited, as he projects as a corner outfielder, most likely in left field. That places even more pressure on his bat to sustain his projection. If he can maintain his discipline while reducing the swing-and-miss tendencies, he has the tools to develop into a middle-of-the-order hitter with legitimate power.
#11-José Cerice
Province: Havana
Current Level: High-A
Signing Bonus: $700K
Signing Year: 2024
Highest Level Reached: High-A
Tools (20-80):
Hit: 60
Power: 45
Run: 50
Arm: 50
Field: 45
Overall: 45
Position: IF
B/T: R/R
Age: 20
Scouting Report:
José Cerice is one of those prospects who does not constantly generate headlines, but whose production forces people to pay attention within the Kansas City system. At just 20 years old, the corner infielder has built his value around a very specific and difficult-to-find tool: his ability to make contact. Since arriving in professional baseball in 2024, all he has done is hit, batting over .300 at every level he has played, including a strong transition from the Arizona Complex League to Single-A.
His swing is short, direct, and extremely aggressive, with a swing rate above 60 percent, which completely defines his offensive identity. The challenge is how much damage he can produce with that profile, since his power remains limited at this stage. Defensively, he offers versatility, with experience at both third base and first base, along with the potential to expand into the outfield. His projection will depend on whether he can balance his aggressiveness with improved pitch selection, which will determine if he can sustain himself as a useful hitter in the Major Leagues.
#12-Joniel Hernández:
Province: Havana
Current Level: Dominican Summer League (DSL)
Signing Bonus: $1.4M
Signing Year: 2026
Highest Level Reached: DSL
Position: SS
B/T: R/R
Age: 17
Tools (20-80):
Hit: 45
Power: 55
Run: 60
Arm: 55
Field: 50
Overall: 40
Scouting Report:
Joniel Hernández is a prospect who draws attention more for his athletic package than for immediate production, with a profile that is still under construction but already features tools that stand out at first glance. At 17 years old, the Padres infielder combines speed, projectable strength, and an offensive setup with significant upside. His right-handed swing is loose and “whippy,” generating good bat speed and allowing evaluators to project above-average power as he continues to add muscle.
When he syncs up his mechanics, he is capable of producing hard contact with ease, though his consistency remains limited at this stage. He struggles with recognizing breaking pitches, and his timing can be affected by an inconsistent leg kick. Defensively, his plus speed allows him to cover ground both in the infield and the outfield, with a legitimate chance to remain at shortstop or eventually move to center field or third base depending on his physical development. His long-term projection will depend directly on his offensive growth and pitch recognition.
#13-Franco Alemán
Province: Sancti Spíritus
Current Level: MLB
Signing Bonus: $175K
Signing Year: 2021 (via Draft)
Highest Level Reached: MLB
Tools (20-80):
Fastball: 70
Slider: 60
Control: 50
Overall: 40
Position: P
B/T: R/R
Age: 25
Scouting Report:
Franco Alemán has established himself as an explosive relief pitcher whose value begins with a rare physical trait: his extension. With extremely long arms and a delivery that creates nearly seven feet of extension toward home plate, his upper-90s fastball plays above its actual velocity, reaching hitters with the perception of even greater speed. He operates between 96 and 99 mph, and while the pitch does not feature elite movement characteristics, the combination of extension and angle makes it an effective weapon for generating swings and misses, even within the strike zone.
His upper-80s slider is the ideal complement, featuring tight, late-breaking action that works as a put-away pitch against hitters from both sides of the plate. The challenge lies in his command. His high-effort mechanics and long levers make it difficult for him to consistently repeat his delivery, leading to stretches of wildness. Even so, when he establishes the fastball early and uses the slider as his secondary weapon, he has the stuff to dominate entire innings. His projection points toward a medium-to-high leverage bullpen arm with the potential for immediate impact at the Major League level.
#14-Víctor Mesa Jr.
Province: Havana
Current Level: Triple-A
Signing Bonus: $1.0M
Signing Year: 2018
Highest Level Reached: MLB
Position: CF
B/T: L/L
Age: 24
Tools (20-80):
Hit: 40
Power: 45
Run: 50
Field: 55
Arm: 55
Overall: 45
Scouting Report:
Víctor Mesa Jr. has had a more solid professional journey than initially expected, even surpassing the projection that followed him when he signed in 2018. At 24 years old, with experience in Triple-A and time in the Major Leagues, his offensive profile has remained consistent in terms of production, though without becoming truly dominant. His swing, from an upright stance, creates an interesting combination of contact ability and occasional power, giving him the capability to produce extra-base hits without profiling as a constant impact bat.
However, his tendency to chase pitches outside the strike zone limits the quality of his at-bats and leaves him vulnerable against pitchers with better command. Where he truly maintains his value is through his defense and baseball IQ. He is a complete outfielder with advanced instincts, excellent ball tracking, and the ability to cover all three outfield positions. His above-average arm and understanding of angles near the wall make him a versatile piece defensively. Injuries have slowed his progression, but if he can stay healthy and refine his offensive approach, he still has a chance to carve out a stable role in the Major Leagues.
#15-Félix Arronde
Province: Villa Clara
Current Level: Double-A
Signing Bonus: $100K
Signing Year: 2021
Highest Level Reached: Double-A
Position: P
B/T: R/R
Age: 23
Tools (20-80):
Fastball: 55
Slider: 50
Changeup: 55
Control: 50
Overall: 45
Scouting Report:
Félix Arronde has gone from being a low-profile arm to one of the most consistent starting pitchers in the Kansas City system, relying more on sustained results than overpowering tools. At 23 years old, the right-hander has put together back-to-back seasons with an ERA below 3.00, including a strong 2025 campaign in High-A where he logged more than 120 innings with a 2.80 ERA while holding hitters to around a .210 batting average. His profile is built on efficiency, attacking the strike zone and inducing early contact to avoid extended damage.
His arsenal revolves around a 94–95 mph fastball that can touch 97, which he uses heavily as the foundation of his success. His slider has improved in both shape and consistency, while his splitter-style changeup is the pitch with the most potential to generate swings and misses. His next step at Double-A will be critical, as he will need to find more consistent ways to dominate at-bats against more disciplined hitters. While some evaluators project him as a future reliever, his command, durability, and overall pitch mix give him a legitimate chance to remain a starter if he can make that leap.
#16-Jaider Suárez
Province: Ciego de Ávila
Current Level: Dominican Summer League (DSL)
Signing Bonus: $1.7M
Signing Year: 2026
Highest Level Reached: DSL
Position: SS
B/T: R/R
Age: 17
Tools (20-80):
Hit: 50
Power: 55
Run: 55
Arm: 60
Field: 50
Overall: 40
Scouting Report:
Jaider Suárez enters professional baseball as one of the most complete talents in his international signing class, combining physical tools with early production in competitive environments. At 17 years old, the Royals infielder had already shown clear signs of promise in Cuba, standing out at the youth levels with an advanced offensive profile. His right-handed swing is compact, featuring good hand speed and the ability to generate impactful contact, supported by a level of plate discipline that is uncommon for his age.
Defensively, his value begins with his arm, a plus tool that allows him to make plays with ease from shortstop. He has clean actions, good agility, and above-average speed, traits that impact both his defensive range and his baserunning ability. His development will depend on how well he can translate his offensive approach to professional baseball and how much additional strength he can continue to develop, factors that will ultimately determine his ceiling as an all-around impact player.
#17-Alejandro Cruz
Province: Sancti Spíritus
Current Level: Arizona Complex League (ACL)
Signing Bonus: $2.0M
Signing Year: 2025
Highest Level Reached: ACL
Position: 3B
B/T: R/R
Age: 19
Tools (20-80):
Hit: 45
Power: 50
Run: 55
Arm: 45
Field: 50
Overall: 45
Scouting Report:
Alejandro Cruz is a prospect who combines projectable physicality with already-established offensive fundamentals, making him an intriguing piece within the White Sox system. At 19 years old, the infielder from Sancti Spíritus arrives with a strong competitive background from the youth levels, including standout performances internationally that support his maturity on the field. His offensive profile is built around a compact and efficient swing, with good use of his lower half to generate strength from a relatively simple mechanic.
He has the ability to make consistent contact and displays an above-average eye for his age, allowing him to work quality at-bats. The power is still developing, but his physical projection suggests he could eventually grow into a bat with real impact potential.
Defensively, he shows clean actions at third base, with solid glove work and good instincts off the bat. His versatility could also provide him with additional options around the infield. His development will depend primarily on the growth of his power, but his current profile points toward a player with strong fundamentals and legitimate room for growth.
#18-Yobal Rodríguez
Province: Ciego de Ávila
Current Level: Arizona Complex League (ACL)
Signing Bonus: $300K
Signing Year: 2025
Highest Level Reached: ACL
Position: P
B/T: R/R
Age: 18
Tools (20-80):
Fastball: 55
Slider: 45
Changeup: 60
Control: 55
Overall: 50
Scouting Report:
Yobal Rodríguez is one of the most intriguing young arms in the White Sox system, featuring a profile that combines physical projection with eye-catching early results. At 18 years old, he signed for a relatively modest bonus, but his professional debut quickly changed the conversation after logging more than 30 innings with an ERA below 3.00 and a WHIP near 1.00. His ability to limit hard contact in a demanding offensive environment, along with his functional control for his age, has positioned him as a pitcher to closely follow within the organization.
His main appeal lies in his projection. With a lean frame and room to add strength, there is a strong belief that his fastball could eventually climb into the 97–98 mph range. Currently, he operates in the low 90s with good movement, while his changeup is his best secondary offering, featuring enough drop and separation to generate swings and misses. His slider is still developing. Although his mechanics are somewhat long, he has shown enough repeatability to remain effective. The organization plans to keep him as a starter, and if he can add strength without sacrificing coordination, his ceiling could far exceed the value of his original signing bonus.
#19-Leonardo Sevilla
Province: Villa Clara
Current Level: Dominican Summer League (DSL)
Signing Bonus: $750K
Signing Year: 2026
Highest Level Reached: DSL
Position: SS
B/T: S/R
Age: 18
Tools (20-80):
Hit: 55
Power: 40
Run: 65
Arm: 55
Field: 50
Overall: 45
Scouting Report:
Leonardo Sevilla enters professional baseball as an advanced hitter for his age, with an offensive profile built around contact ability, adjustability, and strike-zone awareness. At 18 years old, the Diamondbacks infielder had already demonstrated his talent on international stages, including his performance at the U-18 World Cup, and further confirmed those impressions during the lead-up to his signing process in the Dominican Republic. He is a switch-hitter with a short, fluid, and highly adjustable swing, capable of covering the entire strike zone and making consistent contact against both fastballs and secondary pitches.
He does not rely on raw strength to produce offensively, but rather on timing and barrel control, projecting more as a high-average, on-base oriented hitter than a power bat. Physically, he compensates with athletic tools that elevate his overall value. He is an elite runner with impact on the bases and strong defensive range. He can move around multiple infield positions, although his most stable long-term projection points toward second base. His development will depend on how well he can maintain his offensive profile against more advanced pitching.
#20-Daviel Hurtado
Province: Havana
Current Level: Single-A
Signing Bonus: $640K
Signing Year: 2023
Highest Level Reached: Single-A
Position: P
B/T: L/L
Age: 21
Tools (20-80):
Fastball: 55
Curveball: 60
Slider: 50
Changeup: 40
Control: 55
Overall: 45
Scouting Report:
Daviel Hurtado is a left-hander who has steadily built his profile within the Mets system, showing clear signs of sustained development and still possessing considerable room for growth. Signed in 2023 after leaving Cuba, he has moved through the lower levels with solid results, standing out for his ability to generate strikeouts and limit damage over extended stretches. His progress in 2025, including recognition as Pitcher of the Month in St. Lucie, confirmed that he is not just a projection arm, but one beginning to translate his tools into real production.
His repertoire fits the classic mold of a left-handed starter with swing-and-miss potential. His fastball operates between 91 and 94 mph with good life, while his curveball is his best secondary offering, featuring depth and the ability to generate whiffs. The slider gives him a solid third option, and the changeup is still developing. His projection will depend on how much he can strengthen his frame and improve the consistency of his mechanics, but his current package profiles as a pitcher with legitimate starting potential within the organization.
#21-Rubén Gallego
Province: Havana
Current Level: Dominican Summer League (DSL)
Signing Bonus: $1.8M
Signing Year: 2026
Highest Level Reached: DSL
Position: SS
B/T: S/R
Age: 17
Tools (20-80):
Hit: 55
Power: 45
Run: 50
Arm: 45
Field: 55
Overall: 45
Scouting Report:
Rubén Gallego is a shortstop with a strong athletic foundation and one of the most intriguing profiles in his international class due to his combination of defense and offensive feel at an early age. At just 17 years old, the Diamondbacks infielder already shows advanced fundamentals at the plate, especially from the left side, where his swing features better rhythm, angle, and the ability to generate quality contact. He is a switch-hitter with a line-drive approach, capable of using the entire field, although his power production is still more projection than present ability.
Defensively, Gallego already has an advantage. His actions at shortstop are fluid, with soft hands, a good first step, and lateral range that allows him to cover ground efficiently. He has natural instincts for the position and plays with confidence and ease, projecting as an above-average defender in the long term. His current profile points toward a player who will have time to develop offensively because of his defense, and if he can make that offensive leap, he has the potential to establish himself as an everyday Major League infielder.
#22-Andy Pérez
Province: Villa Clara
Current Level: Double-A
Signing Bonus: $300K
Signing Year: 2021
Highest Level Reached: Double-A
Position: SS
B/T: L/R
Age: 21
Tools (20-80):
Hit: 50
Power: 40
Run: 50
Arm: 50
Field: 50
Overall: 40
Scouting Report:
Andy Pérez has built his profile within Colorado’s system through quiet but steady progress, with his development beginning to draw attention starting in 2024. Signed in 2021, he spent his first years largely under the radar until his transition to full-season baseball started to show real signs of offensive growth. At 19 years of age, the left-handed infielder presents a solid foundation at the plate, supported by a natural ability to make contact and low strikeout rates that reflect an uncommon offensive feel.
His tendency to chase pitches outside the zone remains an area for improvement, but his recent physical growth has started to translate into greater offensive impact. Defensively, he continues to profile as an intriguing infield piece, with functional mobility and a strong understanding of the game that allows him to remain at shortstop at this stage. His long-term projection will depend on the development of his power and improvements in plate discipline, factors that will determine whether he can establish himself as a valuable big league infielder.
#23-Raynel Delgado
Province: Havana
Current Level: Triple-A
Signing Bonus: $900K
Signing Year: 2018 (via Draft)
Highest Level Reached: Triple-A
Position: 2B
B/T: L/R
Age: 26
Tools (20-80):
Hit: 50
Power: 40
Run: 50
Arm: 50
Field: 50
Overall: 45
Scouting Report:
Raynel Delgado is an infielder who has built his professional career around versatility, contact skills, and adaptability rather than explosive tools. Selected by Cleveland in the 2018 draft, he has worked his way through nearly every level of the minor league system before establishing himself in Triple-A, where he has enjoyed his best offensive stretches in recent years. His recent production reflects a hitter capable of maintaining solid batting averages, posting a good OBP, and contributing consistently on the bases.
His offensive profile is built on contact and functional discipline, with an approach centered more on line drives than lifting the baseball, which limits his power output but allows him to extend at-bats and create traffic on the bases. Defensively, he stands out for his flexibility, showing the ability to cover multiple infield positions reliably. His projection fits that of a Major League utility player capable of providing depth, consistency, and versatility without sacrificing defense.
#24-Miguel Flores
Province: Sancti Spíritus
Current Level: Class-A
Signing Bonus: $500K
Signing Year: 2024
Highest Level Reached: Class-A
Position: P
B/T: L/L
Age: 21
Tools (20-80):
Fastball: 50
Curveball: 50
Slider: 50
Changeup: 45
Control: 50
Overall: 45
Scouting Report:
Miguel Flores is a left-hander who has started to establish himself within Cleveland’s system thanks to a noticeable jump in his ability to generate swings and misses. At 21 years old, his stint in Class-A during the 2026 season has provided clear evidence of that growth, posting a strikeout rate above 38 percent in his early outings. Although his ERA has not been dominant, metrics such as his 3.61 FIP point to stronger underlying performance than the traditional numbers suggest.
His arsenal is built around a 91-94 mph fastball with life from his left-handed angle, complemented by a curveball with good depth and a functional slider that allows him to vary sequences effectively. The changeup is still developing. His main challenge is command, as there are stretches where he loses the strike zone. If he can stabilize his control while maintaining his strikeout ability, he has the tools to continue climbing through the system with the profile of a projectable starter.
#25-Víctor Labrada
Province: Havana
Current Level: Triple-A
Signing Bonus: $350K
Signing Year: 2021
Highest Level Reached: Triple-A
Position: CF
B/T: L/L
Age: 26
Tools (20-80):
Hit: 50
Power: 40
Run: 60
Field: 50
Arm: 50
Overall: 45
Scouting Report:
Víctor Labrada has managed to remain relevant within Seattle’s system thanks to a very clear and well-defined playing identity. At 26 years old, the Cuban outfielder has built his career around speed, contact ability, and getting on base, traits that once again stood out in 2025 with a .281/.403/.405 slash line and 44 stolen bases between Double-A and Triple-A. Labrada understands exactly the type of player he is and does not try to sell out for power or alter his approach in search of home runs.
His offensive game is built on putting the ball in play, working counts, and using the entire field, especially the gaps. That offensive maturity was also reflected in his best discipline numbers, reducing his strikeouts while significantly improving his walk rate. Defensively, he maximizes his speed with excellent reads and first steps in the outfield, allowing him to cover all three outfield positions effectively. His profile fits clearly as a Major League fourth outfielder, providing value as a defensive replacement, pinch runner, and situational hitter.
#26-Ernesto Martínez Jr.
Province: Holguín
Current Level: Triple-A
Signing Bonus: $800K
Signing Year: 2017
Highest Level Reached: Triple-A
Position: 1B
B/T: L/L
Age: 26
Tools (20-80):
Hit: 45
Power: 60
Run: 50
Field: 55
Arm: 50
Overall: 45
Scouting Report:
Ernesto Martínez Jr. has transformed his profile over the last few years into one of the most intriguing Cuban bats in Triple-A, something supported both by his production and advanced impact metrics. Now within the Yankees organization, the left-handed first baseman enters his age-26 season with a strong offensive track record at the upper levels, particularly after breaking out in Double-A with Biloxi, where he hit .284 with 30 doubles, 13 home runs, and an .831 OPS in 2024.
Although his time in Triple-A has not been as dominant in traditional terms, he has continued to show a valuable combination of power, discipline, and quality contact. His left-handed swing produces real damage when he connects and gives him the ability to drive the ball to all fields. Beyond the bat, he provides clear value at first base thanks to his coordination, flexibility, and soft hands. If he can better control the swing-and-miss in his game and stay healthy, he has enough tools to sustain a useful offensive role in the Major Leagues.
#27-César Prieto
Province: Cienfuegos
Current Level: MLB
Signing Bonus: $750K
Signing Year: 2022
Highest Level Reached: MLB
Position: 2B
B/T: L/R
Age: 27
Tools (20-80):
Hit: 50
Power: 40
Run: 40
Arm: 45
Field: 50
Overall: 40
Scouting Report:
César Prieto has managed to remain close to the Major Leagues thanks to an offensive tool that is extremely difficult to master: contact ability. At 27 years old, the left-handed infielder continues to be one of the toughest hitters to strike out in Triple-A, something reflected both in his traditional statistics and advanced metrics. In 2024, he finished among the International League leaders in hits and doubles, while also setting career highs in home runs and slugging percentage.
His offensive profile is very straightforward. He swings at nearly everything and still manages to put the ball in play at an unusually high rate. The issue lies in how that aggressiveness limits his overall offensive impact, particularly because of a high chase rate outside the strike zone that affects his OBP. Defensively, he fits best at second base, where his hands and instincts allow him to be a functional defender. His profile points toward a usable player because of his contact skills and versatility, but his long-term ability to stick will depend on how much he can improve his approach at the plate.
#28-Lázaro Estrada
Province: Pinar del Río
Current Level: MLB
Signing Bonus: $30K
Signing Year: 2017
Highest Level Reached: MLB
Position: P
B/T: R/R
Age: 27
Tools (20-80):
Fastball: 50
Slider: 55
Curveball: 60
Splitter: 45
Control: 55
Overall: 45
Scouting Report:
Lázaro Estrada has positioned himself on the verge of establishing a Major League role thanks to a combination of consistency, adaptability, and an evolving arsenal. At 27 years old, the Cuban right-hander has already made his MLB debut and recently completed a climb through nearly every level of Toronto’s system, recording more than 500 strikeouts in the minor leagues while putting together several impactful seasons. His 2024 campaign stood out in particular, as he advanced through three levels while posting a 3.29 ERA and more than a strikeout per inning.
Estrada does not dominate through pure velocity, but rather through the way he mixes his pitches and attacks the strike zone. His fastball sits between 92 and 94 mph, while his slider has developed into his most consistent secondary offering. The curveball remains a weapon capable of changing at-bats thanks to its depth and spin. His profile is built more on pitching intelligence and execution than overwhelming raw stuff. He projects as a pitcher capable of providing innings in the Major Leagues, either at the back end of a rotation or in a hybrid long-relief role, depending on how effectively his secondary pitches continue to perform against top-level hitters.
#29-Adriano Marrero
Province: Cienfuegos
Current Level: Arizona Complex League (ACL)
Signing Bonus: $350K
Signing Year: 2025
Highest Level Reached: ACL
Position: P
B/T: R/R
Age: 18
Tools (20-80):
Fastball: 55
Breaking Ball: 55
Changeup: 45
Control: 45
Overall: 50
Scouting Report:
Adriano Marrero is one of those young arms the Dodgers often identify early and develop patiently. The Cuban right-hander arrived in Los Angeles at the end of 2025 in the trade that sent Esteury Ruiz to Miami, a move that reflected the value multiple organizations placed on his projection within the recent international market. At just 18 years old, Marrero showed intriguing flashes in the Dominican Summer League, particularly because of his combination of swing-and-miss ability and an extreme tendency to induce ground balls.
In 33 innings, he posted a strikeout rate close to 10 strikeouts per nine innings along with a ground-ball percentage above 70 percent, something uncommon for a pitcher that young. His fastball already reaches 94 mph and stands out especially because of the elite spin rate he generates, giving the pitch life and late movement. His mechanics and the natural characteristics of the baseball coming out of his hand make him a high-ceiling project, especially now within the Dodgers’ pitching development system.
#30-Luis Manuel León
Province: Mayabeque
Current Level: Florida Complex League (FCL)
Signing Bonus: $1.5M
Signing Year: 2024
Highest Level Reached: FCL
Position: SS
B/T: R/R
Age: 19
Tools (20-80):
Hit: 60
Power: 50
Run: 55
Arm: 60
Field: 50
Overall: 45
Scouting Report:
Luis Manuel León represents one of the most intriguing athletic projects within Miami’s system, although his start in professional baseball made it clear that his physical talent still requires significant offensive development. Signed for $1.5 million in 2024, the Cuban prospect arrived with the reputation of a five-tool player and prior experience moving between shortstop and center field. However, his first exposure in the Florida Complex League was challenging, showing serious contact issues against professional pitching.
Even so, the organization still views him as an extremely young player whose value is tied more to projection than immediate results. At 6’2” with an athletic frame, he possesses above-average speed, a strong arm, and natural movements both in the outfield and infield. His swing still needs important adjustments, especially in pitch recognition and handling breaking balls, but the natural tools are there to generate hard contact and eventually develop power. His ceiling remains high, although he is one of the most adjustment-dependent profiles on this list.
Great Article Yusseff!
Thanks Willy