Despite the talent and the growing influence of Cuban baseball players within the Major League Baseball (MLB) system, none is among the top 20 players with the highest jersey sales.
Names like Yordan Álvarez, Adolis García, Luis Robert Jr., or Randy Arozarena were left out, while Shohei Ohtani, the Japanese phenomenon from the Dodgers, tops the ranking once again.
The list, published by MLB and led by Ohtani himself, reflects the popularity and media projection of players such as Freddie Freeman, Juan Soto, Mookie Betts, Aaron Judge, and Ronald Acuña Jr., but leaves out prominent figures among Cubans.
Where are the Cubans?
The absence is notable considering that several Cuban players have established themselves as offensive stars on their teams, especially Álvarez, one of the best left-handed hitters in today's baseball and a key player for the Houston Astros, who are perennial contenders.
Also noteworthy are Adolis, from the Texas Rangers; Robert Jr., a star of the Chicago White Sox; and Randy Arozarena (Seattle Mariners), who captivates with his charisma and explosiveness. However, none of them managed to break into the list of the top sellers in merchandise sales.
The Dodgers dominate the list
The list is dominated by the Los Angeles Dodgers, with six players among the top 20: Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, Mookie Betts, Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Clayton Kershaw, and the surprising Kiké Hernández.
The combination of talent, aggressive marketing, and media exposure of the Los Angeles franchise has made its players fan favorites, both inside and outside the United States.
Players with the most jerseys sold in MLB:
1. Shohei Ohtani, Dodgers
2. Freddie Freeman, Dodgers
3. Juan Soto, Mets
4. Mookie Betts, Dodgers
5. Aaron Judge, Yankees
6. Francisco Lindor, Mets
7. Bryce Harper, Phillies
8. Jose Altuve, Astros
9. Ronald Acuña Jr., Braves
10. Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Dodgers
11. Clayton Kershaw, Dodgers
12. Fernando Tatis Jr., Padres
13. Elly De La Cruz, Reds
14. Gunnar Henderson, Orioles
15. Paul Skenes, Pirates
16. Kiké Hernández, Dodgers
17. Corey Seager, Rangers
18. Bobby Witt Jr., Royals
19. Anthony Volpe, Yankees
20. Manny Machado, Padres
Frequently Asked Questions about the Absence of Cuban Players in the MLB Jersey Sales Top Rankings
Why is no Cuban player among the top 20 with the most jerseys sold in MLB?
Despite their talent and performance in MLB, Cuban players do not rank among the top 20 with the most jerseys sold due to a lack of media exposure and marketing compared to other stars. Players like Yordan Álvarez and Randy Arozarena are recognized for their skills on the field, but the list is dominated by players with greater media exposure, such as Shohei Ohtani and Mookie Betts.
Which players top the list of best-selling jerseys in MLB?
Shohei Ohtani, player for the Dodgers, tops the list of best-selling jerseys in MLB, followed by Freddie Freeman, Juan Soto, and Mookie Betts. These players enjoy immense popularity and are part of teams that have a strong marketing strategy, contributing to their success in merchandise sales.
What is the presence of Cuban players in MLB currently?
In the 2025 season, a record 26 Cuban players were part of the MLB Opening Day rosters. This number reflects the growing impact of Cuban talent in the league, although they still face challenges in terms of visibility and international marketing.
What factors contribute to the success of the Dodgers in shirt sales?
The combination of talent, aggressive marketing, and media exposure has made Dodgers players fan favorites. With six players among the 20 best-selling jerseys, the Dodgers have capitalized on their success both on and off the field to boost their global popularity.
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