Cardinals manager views the future of Cuban César Prieto with optimism: “He has plenty of chances for 2026.”



César Prieto, after debuting in MLB with the Cardinals in 2025, could establish himself in 2026 according to manager Oli Marmol, who highlights his progress at the Winter Meetings in Orlando.

Oli Mármol/César PrietoPhoto © Facebook/Francys Romero

Related videos:

The manager of the St. Louis Cardinals, Oli Mármol, has a positive view of the Cuban César Prieto's chances of earning a spot on the team for the 2026 season, as he stated to journalist Francys Romero, who is covering the 2025 Winter Meetings in Orlando, Florida.

Romero, one of the most recognized Cuban insiders in the MLB environment, consulted directly with Mármol about the future of the player from Cienfuegos. The strategist assured that Prieto "made significant progress from one season to another" and that, in his opinion, "he has a good chance of playing in 2026."

Facebook post/Francys Romero

A year of growth and an anticipated debut

After several years in Triple A, César Prieto, born in Cienfuegos, finally fulfilled his dream of debuting in the Major Leagues in 2025. However, his presence was limited to only a few appearances, raising doubts among followers and analysts, especially given that the franchise has not had the best recent track record in the development and promotion of Cuban players.

Despite this, Mármol’s words suggest a change in tone and greater confidence in the infielder's talents, who has stood out for his offensive consistency since joining the minor league system.

Winter Meetings 2025: the epicenter of decisions in MLB

This annual event brings together team owners, player agents, MLB executives, and managers, serving as a key venue for negotiations regarding trades, signings, and strategic moves that can redefine the landscape of the league.

In addition, the Winter Meetings have become a meeting point for those aspiring to enter the baseball industry, specialized journalists, and staff from organizations seeking new professional opportunities.

With the increasing interest of the Cardinals in Prieto and a 2026 that could signify his consolidation, the Cuban player once again appears on the radar as one of the potential young bets for the team in the upcoming season.

Filed under:

CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis.