Related videos:
More than 15 players born in Cuba showcased their potential on Tuesday during Spring Training of the Major League Baseball (MLB), making it clear that the island's talent remains a force to be reckoned with.
According to the specialized site Pelota Cubana, among the players who stood out offensively were Andy Pagés, Bryan Ramos, Yulieski Gurriel, Yanquiel Fernández, José Barrero, and César Prieto; while the standout relievers on the mound were Adrián Morejón, Cionel Pérez, and Yennier Cano.
The Pinar del Río native Andy Pagés, who recently said "yes" to represent Team Asere in the 2026 World Classic, returned to the starting lineup of the Los Angeles Dodgers and ended his game with a 2-1 record, driving in two runs and striking out once, in his team's 10-4 victory over the Cleveland Guardians.
For his part, Yanquiel Fernández, designated as the cleanup hitter and right fielder for the Colorado Rockies, kicked off the scoring with his first home run of the season. The downside: he recorded three strikeouts against the Cincinnati Reds.
In another challenge of the training session, José Barrero, batting eighth for the Cardinals, went 2-for-3, adding one run, two RBIs, one stolen base, and a walk, although his team lost 12-5 to the Marlins.
His teammate, the Cienfuegos player César Prieto, came in as a substitute in the sixth inning and went 2-for-1 at the plate, marking his fifth extra-base hit of the spring training season.
The aforementioned source also reported that Yuli Gurriel (3-1) started as the first baseman and batted seventh for the San Diego Padres. The veteran connected for another clutch hit, proving that he still has some power left in his bat.
Similarly, the action on the mound did not go unnoticed: the duo of Cionel Pérez and Yennier Cano saw action in the 6-2 victory of the Baltimore Orioles over the New York Yankees, where Pérez, hailing from Matanzas, did not allow a single hit during his appearance, while Cano recorded one hit and one strikeout in his outing.
Cuban Action in Spring Training (March 11):
Dairon Blanco (Kansas): 1-0 (.333)
Lourdes Gurriel Jr (DBacks): 3-0 (.190)
Ernesto Martínez Jr (Brewers): 1-0, K (.294)
Raynel Delgado (Brewers): 4-1, 2K (.280)
Anthony Scull (Angels): 1-0, BB (.000)
Andy Pagés (Dodgers): 2-1, 2 RBI, BB (.214)
Bryan Ramos (White Sox): 1-1, RBI (.300)
Alexander Vargas (Yankees): 1-0, K (.667)
Yuli Gurriel (Houston): 3-1, RBI, K (.278)
Yanquiel Fernández (Rockies): 5-1, R, HR, RBI, 3K (.269)
Andy Ibáñez (Detroit): 2-0 (.269)
Roberto Campos (Detroit): 1-0 (.222)
José Barrero (Cardinals): 3-2, R, 2 RBI, SB, BB (.286)
César Prieto (Cardinals): 2-1, R, 2B (.333)
Yordan Álvarez (Houston): 3-0, 2K (.150)
Cionel Pérez (Orioles): 1.0 IP, 0H, 0ER (4.50)
Yennier Cano (Orioles): 1.0 IP, H, K (2.25)
Adrián Morejón (Padres): 1.0 IP, H, 0 ER (0.00)
With this display of talent and consistency, the Cubans continue to demonstrate their ability to compete at the highest level, establishing themselves as key players in the landscape of professional baseball worldwide.
The performances this Tuesday strengthen the expectation that in the future, many of these young people will continue to achieve success in the major leagues.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuban Talent in the MLB
How many Cuban players stood out in the 2025 MLB Spring Training?
More than 15 baseball players born in Cuba showcased their potential during the 2025 Spring Training. Among them, Andy Pagés, Bryan Ramos, Yulieski Gurriel, Yanquiel Fernández, and others made a significant impact with their performance both offensively and on the mound.
Which Cuban players stood out in the Spring Training games?
Among the Cuban players who stood out, Andy Pagés was remarkable with a game of 2-1 and two RBIs. Yanquiel Fernández shone by hitting his first home run of the season, although he also struck out three times. Other players like José Barrero and Yulieski Gurriel also had impressive performances for their respective teams.
How has Yulieski Gurriel's participation in the MLB been recently?
Yulieski Gurriel, at 40 years old, signed with the San Diego Padres for the 2025 season. His performance in the previous season allowed him to secure a contract that includes a base salary and potential incentives. Gurriel has been a significant figure in MLB, with a career that includes World Series titles and several individual awards.
What relevance does Andy Pagés have in Cuban baseball and MLB?
Andy Pagés is one of the young talents in Cuban baseball and has already made his mark by winning the World Series with the Dodgers during his debut year in the MLB. His recent selection to represent Cuba in the 2026 World Classic highlights his significance as one of the most prominent emerging Cuban players.
Filed under:
