The Cuban infielder César Prieto continues to be one of the most consistent hitters in the Triple-A East league in 2026, posting impressive numbers with the Memphis Redbirds this season: a batting average of .321, a slugging percentage of .568, and an OPS of .939, as reported by 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. He recorded one hit in three at-bats, one run batted in, and one walk while playing as third baseman.
The updated data from the minor leagues places him with 87 at-bats, a batting average of .333, 14 runs batted in, an OPS of .994, and one stolen base, figures that establish him as one of the most reliable offensive options in the league.
The start of the season for Prieto was not easy. After a weak preseason — .118 in 17 at-bats — he was optioned to Triple-A Memphis on March 7 and briefly went through Springfield (Double-A) before being reassigned to the Redbirds on March 27.
Once settled in Memphis, he responded strongly. On April 8th, 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 during the 9-4 victory over the Charlotte Knights.
On April 23, he contributed a two-run double in the third inning, the only productive hit for Memphis in a 5-2 victory over Norfolk, showcasing his ability to make game-changing plays in critical moments.
The profile of Prieto in the minors is that of a contact hitter with emerging power. In 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 significant 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 single.
In June 2025, Prieto also made his stance clear regarding the Cuban national team: when asked if he would play for Cuba in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, he replied with three words: "My answer is no."
At 26 years of age and with an unwavering production, the question surrounding Prieto remains the same as that posed by Pelota Cubana USA: "What more does César Prieto need to make the definitive leap?"
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