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The Cuban infielder César Prieto continues to be one of the most consistent hitters in the Triple-A East League in 2026, compiling impressive stats with the Memphis Redbirds this season: a batting average of .321, a slugging percentage of .568, and an OPS of .939, according to reports from Pelota Cubana.
This weekend, the player from Cienfuegos added another chapter to his season by hitting his sixth home run of the year, a fly ball to right field, in the game against the Norfolk Tides in Memphis, where he recorded one hit in three at-bats, one run batted in, and one walk while playing as third baseman.
Updated data from the minor leagues places him with 87 at-bats, an average of .333, 14 RBIs, an OPS of .994, and one stolen base, figures that establish him as one of the most reliable offensive options in the circuit.
The start of Prieto's season was not easy. After a weak preseason —.118 in 17 at-bats— he was optioned to Triple-A Memphis on March 7 and briefly passed through Springfield (Double-A) before being reassigned to the Redbirds on March 27.
Once settled in Memphis, he responded strongly. On April 8, he was already leading Triple-A with a batting average of .452 and three home runs, including a 385-foot home run between right and center field in the 9-4 victory over the Charlotte Knights.
On April 23, he contributed a two-run double in the third inning, the only RBIs for Memphis in a 5-2 victory over Norfolk, demonstrating his ability to decide games in crucial moments.
Prieto's profile in the minors is that of a contact hitter with emerging power. Throughout his career, he has a batting average of .295 with 49 home runs in over 2,000 at-bats. In 2025, he batted .295 with nine home runs and 62 RBIs in 107 games, and in 2024, he recorded .279 with 14 home runs and 56 RBIs in 129 games.
His great milestone came on August 29, 2025, when he made his Major League debut with the Cardinals, becoming the 33rd Cuban player to participate in a regular MLB season. Two days later, he recorded his first hit in the majors, a ground ball single.
In June 2025, Prieto also made his stance regarding the Cuban national team clear: when asked if he would play with Cuba in the World Baseball Classic 2026, he replied with three words: "My answer is no."
At 26 years old and with a production that never wavers, the question surrounding Prieto remains the same as posed by Pelota Cubana USA: "What more does César Prieto need to make the definitive leap?"
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