Who Are the Top Cuban Baseball Prospects? Pelota Cubana USA Unveils Its Top 30

This Wednesday, the specialized platform Pelota Cubana USA released its Top 30 list of Cuban prospects in Minor League Baseball, marking the first-ever ranking dedicated solely to Cuban talent within Major League Baseball's (MLB) development system.

Previously, there was no structured, specific, and regularly updated ranking of Cuban prospects in the professional American baseball system. Such a tool is essential for coaches, media specialists, and fans who wish to closely follow the island's talent within MLB organizations.

The list was crafted by the site's editorial team, supported by over a dozen scouts, including international and professional baseball evaluators.

To compile this ranking, approximately 150 active Cuban minor leaguers were analyzed, with an emphasis on individual skills, projection, and competitive context, adhering to standards similar to those used in official Major League evaluations.

The ranking considers players up to 27 years old, applying the same criteria as major professional baseball prospect lists.

Following extensive research, the top 30 names include Lázaro Montes, Kendry Rojas, Kevin Álvarez, Diego Tornes, Silvano Hechavarría, Yandel Ricardo, Yunior Tur, Jaims Martínez, Lisbel Díaz, and Jordan Sánchez. Other standout prospects are José Cerice, Joniel Hernández, Franco Alemán, Víctor Mesa Jr., Félix Arronde, and Jaider Suárez, featuring a mix of established players and promising newcomers.

The list is completed with Alejandro Cruz, Yobal Rodríguez, Leonardo Sevilla, Daviel Hurtado, Rubén Gallego, Andy Pérez, Raynel Delgado, Miguel Flores, Víctor Labrada, Ernesto Martínez Jr., César Prieto, Lázaro Estrada, Adriano Marrero, and Luis Manuel León.

Some have already experienced the highest levels, while others continue to establish themselves in Class A, Double-A, or Triple-A.

Among the most closely watched is Lázaro Montes, an outfielder for the Seattle Mariners, viewed by scouts as one of the most powerful hitters among current Cuban prospects, boasting an exit velocity of 104.8 mph and a power potential rated at 70 degrees.

Also notable is catcher Edgar Quero of the Chicago White Sox, who is in his second MLB season, and third baseman Bryan Ramos, both with legitimate short-term Major League potential.

Another significant name is pitcher Luis Danys Morales of the Athletics, who returned to the Majors this week after being called up from Triple-A Las Vegas.

Similarly, César Prieto rejoined MLB with the St. Louis Cardinals last Monday, boasting a .311 average in Triple-A during the 2026 season.

This ranking will not remain static but will serve as a "snapshot in time," with updates scheduled thrice yearly: after the first month of the season, following the All-Star Game, and at the season's end.

The ranking comes at a time of increasing Cuban presence in the demanding professional American system: Cuba ranks fourth among countries with the most representatives in MLB, trailing only the United States, the Dominican Republic, and Venezuela, with 41 island-born players signing with Major League organizations during the 2024-2025 period.

This consistent talent flow, fueled largely by the continuous departure of Cuban players from the island seeking professional opportunities, underscores the necessity of a specialized ranking like the one just launched by Pelota Cubana USA.

"Several names were on the verge of making the list, reflecting the depth and growth of Cuban talent in the minor league system," the publication highlighted.