Lázaro Montes from Havana has cemented his place in baseball history by hitting his 37th home run for the Tacoma Rainiers this past Saturday. This achievement ties the record for the most home runs hit by a Cuban player in the Minor Leagues since 1959, as reported by journalist Francys Romero.
The powerful hit, which traveled 414 feet with an exit velocity of 107.8 mph, came during a match against the Sacramento River Cats, where Tacoma emerged victorious with a 15-11 score.
With this home run, the Seattle Mariners prospect matched the record set by Juan Francisco "Pancho" Herrera 67 years ago with the Buffalo Bisons in the International League. Herrera claimed the Triple Crown and was named the league's MVP with a batting average of .329, 37 home runs, and 128 RBIs.
Montes, just 21 years old, didn't stop at the home run. He went 3-for-3, walked twice, scored three runs, and drove in another, reaching base in all five of his plate appearances for the first time in his professional career.
The Rise of a Young Power Hitter
This was also his 12th home run since being promoted to Triple-A at the beginning of July, showcasing that his power remains undiminished against higher-level pitchers.
Throughout the 2026 season, the left-handed slugger has accumulated 37 home runs, 93 RBIs, and an OPS of .941, establishing himself as one of the most formidable hitters in the Minor League system.
In his Minor League career, Montes has now tallied 113 home runs, a testament to his consistent production since signing with Seattle in January 2022 for $2.5 million as an international free agent.
Looking Toward the Major Leagues
The Havana native's rise has been meteoric. In 2025, he led the Minor Leagues with 21 home runs by mid-year, and the 2026 season has seen him make a significant leap, bringing him closer to a Major League call-up.
MLB Pipeline currently ranks him as the 43rd overall prospect and third within the Mariners' system, fueling anticipation of his imminent debut in the Major Leagues.
Analyst Francys Romero aptly summarized the situation: "Montes is in the midst of a historic season, edging ever closer to a promotion to the Major Leagues with the Seattle Mariners."
The burning question remains: How much longer will the young Cuban have to wait before donning the Mariners' uniform in the Majors?
Frequently Asked Questions about Lázaro Montes' Baseball Achievements
Who is Lázaro Montes?
Lázaro Montes is a Cuban baseball player from Havana, currently playing as a prospect for the Seattle Mariners in the Minor Leagues.
What record did Lázaro Montes tie with his 37th home run?
Montes tied the record for the most home runs by a Cuban player in the Minor Leagues since 1959, matching Juan Francisco "Pancho" Herrera's 37 home runs.
What are Montes' notable achievements in the 2026 season?
In the 2026 season, Lázaro Montes has hit 37 home runs, driven in 93 runs, and posted an OPS of .941, marking him as one of the top hitters in the Minor Leagues.