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The Cuban César Prieto continues to showcase his talent in the Minor Leagues of the United States, but his rise to the Major Leagues remains an unresolved issue for the St. Louis Cardinals, a franchise that has yet to provide him the opportunity to debut at the highest level of baseball.
Prieto added another outstanding day on Saturday with three hits in Triple-A, including his eighth home run of the season, hit in the tenth inning of the game against the Memphis Redbirds, according to journalist Francys Romero on the social media platform Facebook.
With that performance, he raised his batting average to .295, establishing himself as one of the most consistent hitters on the team. His statistics show a balanced and strong performance: .304 average against left-handed pitchers and .293 against right-handed pitchers, highlighting his versatility and ability to adapt to opposing pitching.
A performance that finds no reward
Despite his numbers, the organization has not considered his promotion to the Major Leagues, which fuels the perception that Prieto has not had luck with the franchise. Since joining the St. Louis system, the Cienfuegos infielder has responded with performance and discipline, but he has not received a single call-up to the first team, even during seasons when the Cardinals have faced issues with offensive production in the infield.
Prieto, 26, is one of the most refined Cuban talents in the Minors, with an offensive profile characterized by contact, quick hands, and good plate discipline. Additionally, he has demonstrated defensive capability as a second baseman, middle infielder, and occasionally at third base.
While other players with less consistency have received opportunities in MLB, César Prieto's case highlights a lack of recognition and confidence that raises questions. What more does the player from Cienfuegos need to do to receive his call to the "Big Show"? Time is running out, and his performance continues to speak for him.
Frequently Asked Questions about César Prieto and His Career in Baseball
Why hasn't César Prieto made his MLB debut with the St. Louis Cardinals?
Despite his excellent performance in Triple-A, César Prieto has not made his debut in Major League Baseball because the St. Louis Cardinals organization has not yet included him in their immediate plans. This may be due to internal competition, as other players have been preferred to fill positions in the major league team's infield.
What has César Prieto's performance been like in Triple-A?
César Prieto has shown outstanding performance in Triple-A, with a current batting average of .295 and a notable balance in his hitting against both left-handed and right-handed pitchers. He has proven to be a consistent and versatile hitter, qualities that strengthen his candidacy for a future promotion to MLB.
What positions can César Prieto play on the field?
César Prieto can play as a second baseman, infielder, and occasionally at third base. His defensive versatility is one of his strong points, in addition to his offensive skills, which could be beneficial for any MLB team that decides to give him a chance.
What is César Prieto's story with the Cuban national baseball team?
César Prieto decided not to return to the Cuban national team after leaving the team during the Pre-Olympic Baseball Tournament in 2021. His response to a possible call-up to Team Cuba is unequivocal: “No”. This decision, along with his departure from the official delegation, makes him ineligible for the upcoming World Baseball Classic according to the rules of the Cuban Federation.
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