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The Cuban presence in Major League Baseball reached an unprecedented milestone in 2025, with 26 players born on the island being part of the official rosters for MLB Opening Day.
This record exceeds previous records, which included 22 players from the Island between 2016, 2017, and 2022, and reflects the growing impact of Cuban talent in the best baseball in the world.
The news published by ESPN emphasizes that it is the Dominican Republic that led the countries outside the U.S. with the highest representation on Opening Day with 100 players, although this was a figure below last year's 108 and 2020's 110.
Behind were Venezuela with 63 players, further back Cuba (26), Puerto Rico (16), Canada (13), Japan (12), Mexico (11), Curacao and Panama (four), South Korea (three), Aruba, Australia, and Colombia (2), and Bahamas, Brazil, Germany, Honduras, Nicaragua, and South Africa (1 each).
According to the Nuevo Herald, there will be Cubans on rosters of 17 MLB organizations, particularly highlighting the San Diego Padres (3) and the Los Angeles Angels, Chicago White Sox, Atlanta Braves, and Baltimore Orioles (all with 2).
In addition, there will be representatives from the largest of the Antilles in the Tampa Rays, Houston Astros, Texas Rangers, Detroit Tigers, Los Angeles Dodgers, Seattle Mariners, Kansas City Royals, Arizona D’Backs, Milwaukee Brewers, Boston Red Sox, Washington Nationals, and Toronto Blue Jays.
In the list, the following stand out: Yuli Gurriel (San Diego Padres), José Iglesias (San Diego Padres), the pitcher Adrián Morejón (San Diego Padres), Cionel Pérez (Baltimore Orioles), Yennier Cano (Baltimore Orioles), Aroldis Chapman (Boston Red Sox), Yariel Rodríguez (Toronto Blue Jays), Yandy Díaz (Tampa Bay), Miguel Vargas, and Luis Robert Jr (both with the Chicago White Sox).
Other players are:
-Adolis García (Texas)
-Andy Ibáñez (Detroit)
Andy Pagés (Dodgers)
Randy Arozarena (Seattle)
-Dairon Blanco (Kansas City)
Lourdes Gurriel Jr (D’Backs)
-Yoan Moncada (Angels)
-Jorge Soler (Angelenos)
-Néstor Cortés (Brewers)
-Raisel Iglesias (Braves)
-Daysbel Hernández (Bravos)
-Orlando Ribalta (Nationals)
Among the standout stories of this season is that of JC Escarra, a catcher of Cuban descent born in Florida, who after being released by the Baltimore Orioles in 2021, worked as an Uber driver and in construction while playing in independent leagues and in the LIDOM with the Águilas Cibaeñas.
His perseverance earned him a minor league contract with the New York Yankees in 2024, and thanks to his outstanding performance in spring training, he was included in the Yankees' Opening Day roster.
The impact of Cuban players in MLB has translated into outstanding performances in recent years, with appearances in All-Star Games, individual awards, and key roles on title-contending teams.
With this record of 26 players, Cuban fans remain keenly interested in the performance of their representatives in the Major Leagues, amidst a context where the exodus of talent and the lack of formal relations between the Cuban Baseball Federation and MLB continue to define the fate of players born on the island.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Presence of Cuban Players in MLB 2025
How many Cuban players are present on Opening Day of MLB 2025?
A total of 26 Cuban players are present on the MLB Opening Day rosters for 2025, marking a historic record for players from the island in the most significant baseball league in the world.
What is the significance of this record of Cuban players in the MLB?
This record of 26 Cuban players in the MLB reflects the growing impact of Cuban talent in the best baseball in the world, surpassing previous records and highlighting the potential and quality of players coming from the island.
Which MLB teams have the most Cuban players on their roster for 2025?
The San Diego Padres stand out with three Cuban players on their roster, while the Los Angeles Angels, Chicago White Sox, Atlanta Braves, and Baltimore Orioles each have two. These teams are the ones that have the most confidence in Cuban talent for the 2025 MLB season.
What challenges do Cuban baseball players face in reaching the MLB?
Cuban baseball players face challenges such as immigration restrictions and the lack of formal relationships between the Cuban Baseball Federation and the MLB, complicating their access to the international system and opportunities for development in foreign leagues.
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