Cuban-Americans have long made their mark on the MLB Draft, with players such as Luis González, Raúl Ibáñez, Carlos Rodón, Nick Martínez, and Sal Stewart paving the way for the next generation. Below I am going to illustrate some of the most interesting and talented selections of the draft amongst Cuban-Americans.
AJ Gracia (OF) Atlanta Braves (1st Round)
Bats/Throws: L/L
Height/Weight: 6’3″, 195 lbs.
School: University of Virginia
MLB Pipeline Scouting Grades (20–80 scale):
Hit: 55
Power: 55
Run: 45
Arm: 45
Field: 50
Overall: 55
With the No. 9 overall pick, the Atlanta Braves selected outfielder AJ Gracia and the Miami Marlins selected infielder Jacob Lombard with #14 pick of the draft. Two more players with Cuban roots take an important step toward baseball’s biggest stage and complete their dream of being selected in the MLB Draft.
Atlanta invested in one of the most promising college hitters in this year’s draft class. MLB Pipeline ranked him as the No. 19 overall prospect in the draft. Gracia is a left-handed hitter known for his outstanding plate discipline, consistent contact skills, and developing power. Generates above-average raw power with the ability to drive the ball to all fields.
Improved line-drive rate and reduced ground-ball rate during his college career, making him a more complete offensive player.Considered one of the safest college bats in the 2026 draft class. Defensively, he has a strong chance to remain in center field thanks to his excellent instincts and ability to take efficient routes to the baseball. Gracia also has a very adequate arm for the position. Arm strength is average to slightly below average for a corner outfielder.
Jacob Lombard (SS) Miami Marlins (1st Round)
Bats/Throws: R/R
Height/Weight: 6’3″, 195 lbs.
School: Gulliver Prep (Miami, Florida)
MLB Pipeline Grades (20–80 scale):
Hit: 55
Power: 60
Run: 65
Arm: 50
Field: 55
Overall: 60
In the case of the other Cuban-American Jacob Lombard Miami added one of the most intriguing prospects in this year’s draft class. Lombard is the younger brother of Yankees prospect George Lombard Jr. He is also the son of George Lombard, the current bench coach of the Detroit Tigers and a former Major League player.
Lombard is a premium athlete with a projectable 6-foot-3 frame with above-average bat speed and the potential for plus power as he continues to mature. He is also a plus runner who can impact the game on the bases and has advanced baseball instincts from growing up in a baseball family. The Cuban-American has smooth defensive actions with the range and athleticism to remain at shortstop long term.
If Lombard’s bat continues to develop, he has All-Star caliber upside thanks to his rare combination of athleticism, speed, defensive ability, and power. Even if the hit tool takes longer to come around, his defensive value and athleticism give him a high floor as a potential everyday Major League shortstop.
Rylan Lujo (OF) – Los Angeles Angels (4th Round)
Bats/Throws: R/R
Height/Weight: 6’2″, 192 lbs
School: University of Georgia
MLB Pipeline Grades (20-80):
Hit: 55
Power: 45
Run: 60
Arm: 45
Field: 50
Lujo is an athletic center fielder with an advanced feel for hitting. Lujo consistently makes quality contact and rarely strikes out.
He also uses the entire field well and has a mature offensive approach built around line drives rather than selling out for power.
The Cuban-American is an above-average runner who projects to stay in center field thanks to his speed and instincts. His power is presently below average to fringe average, though added strength could allow him to reach double-digit home run totals consistently. Lujo comes from a strong baseball family; his grandfather is former Major League infielder Rennie Stennett.
Daniel Cuvet (3B/1B) Washington Nationals (5th Round)
Bats/Throws: R/R
Height/Weight: 6’3″, 240 lbs
School: University of Miami
MLB Pipeline Grades (20-80):
Hit: 45
Power: 60
Run: 40
Arm: 60
Field: 45
Daniel Cuvet was selected by the Washington Nationals in the fifth round with 120th overall pick. Plus-plus raw power is Cuvet’s carrying tool. He generates outstanding exit velocities and has legitimate 30-home run upside if everything clicks offensively.
The right-handed hitter with the strength to drive the ball to all fields and leave the yard even on mishits. His aggressive approach at the plate and while he has improved his strike-zone discipline, he can still chase pitches and there is swing-and-miss in his game.
Cuvet owns a plus arm, but his range and defensive actions make many evaluators believe he’ll eventually move from third base to first base. He’s a below-average runner with limited defensive value, placing additional pressure on the bat to carry his profile. Cuvet projects as a M middle-of-the- order power bat whose future depends on making enough contact. If his improved plate discipline continues, he has everyday MLB upside as a run-producing corner infielder
The tradition continued in 2026, as several Cuban-American prospects heard their names called:
🔹 AJ Gracia — RD.1 (9), OF, Atlanta Braves
🔹 Jacob Lombard — RD.1 (14), IF, Miami Marlins
🔹️Ryan Lujo — RD.4 (109),IF, Los Angeles Angels
🔹 Daniel Cuvet — RD.5 (120), IF, Washington Nationals
🔹 Alex Sosa — RD.6 (172), C, Athletics
🔹 Augie López — RD.10 (305), C, San Diego Padres
🔹 Leo Marrero — RD.12 (350), C, Baltimore Orioles
🔹 Steven Gonzalez — RD.13 (383), P, Tampa Bay Rays
🔹 Chris Diaz — RD.14 (430), P, Seattle Mariners
🔹 Ivan Sabater — RD.20 (593), P, Tampa Bay Rays