The 2026 Major League Baseball season witnessed an unforgettable moment for Cuban baseball on Tuesday, as Yohandy Morales and Lázaro Montes joined the exclusive club of players from the island who have hit a home run in their MLB debut.
Lázaro Montes, a promising talent for the Seattle Mariners, made his first MLB appearance with a walk. In his second at-bat, he hit a single to right field, followed by a solo home run to center field in the fifth inning during his debut game against Boston reliever Christopher Olds. This contributed to Seattle's commanding 9-1 lead over the Red Sox.
This home run marked Montes' second hit and first homer in the majors, making his initial MLB game an exceptional achievement that few players experience.
Before joining the majors, Montes had an impressive season with 38 home runs and 96 RBIs across 123 games in Double-A Arkansas and Triple-A Tacoma, establishing himself as a premier power hitter in the minor leagues. The Mariners promoted him from Triple-A Tacoma with the September roster expansion.
The Rise of Yohandy Morales
Meanwhile, Cuban-American Yohandy Morales also made a remarkable debut, hitting a home run as his first MLB hit with the Washington Nationals.
Born in Miami in 2001, Yohandy, nicknamed "Yoyo," has baseball in his veins. He is the son of former Cuban player Andy Morales, a significant figure in Cuban baseball during the 1990s. Andy, who played third base for the national team and the Habana club, is remembered for his decisive home run in the ninth inning against the Baltimore Orioles in 1999.
After leaving Cuba at the end of 2000, Andy continued his career in the United States, even signing with the New York Yankees, as his son grew up in Miami following in his father's footsteps. Yohandy later excelled at the University of Miami and was drafted by the Washington Nationals in the second round in 2023, securing the 40th overall pick.
A Record-Breaking Season for Cuban Players
These debuts occur during a remarkable season for Cuban players. In 2026, a record 29 Cuban players were active in Major League Baseball, and seven were selected for the All-Star Game.
Notable performances this season include Miguel Vargas, who hit 24 home runs by early August, and Yandy Díaz, who achieved his 1,000th hit with the Rays in July.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cuban Players in MLB
How many Cuban players are currently active in MLB?
As of the 2026 season, there are a record 29 Cuban players active in Major League Baseball.
Who is Yohandy Morales?
Yohandy Morales is a Cuban-American baseball player who made his MLB debut with the Washington Nationals. He is the son of former Cuban player Andy Morales.
What notable achievements did Lázaro Montes have before joining MLB?
Before joining MLB, Lázaro Montes had an impressive minor league season with 38 home runs and 96 RBIs across Double-A and Triple-A teams.