Famous Cuban Baseball Players

José Delfín Fernández Gómez was a talented Cuban-born American professional baseball pitcher who played for the Miami Marlins in Major League Baseball. Known for his youthful exuberance on the field, he made an impressive debut in 2013, earning multiple accolades including NL Rookie of the Year. Despite setbacks like Tommy John surgery in 2014, he continued to excel, earning a spot in the 2016 All-Star Game. Tragically, his promising career was cut short when he lost his life in a boating accident in 2016.

Aroldis Chapman is a left-handed relief pitcher known for his exceptional speed on the mound. He has played for multiple MLB teams, including the Cincinnati Reds, New York Yankees, Chicago Cubs, Kansas City Royals, and Texas Rangers, as well as the Cuban National Series for Holguín. Chapman defected from Cuba in 2009 and signed with the Reds in 2010, making his MLB debut that season. He has achieved numerous accolades, such as winning the MLB Delivery Man of the Month Award and setting records for strikeouts and pitch speed.

Yasiel Puig Valdés is a Cuban-born American professional baseball right fielder known as "The Wild Horse". He has played in Major League Baseball for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Cincinnati Reds, and Cleveland Indians, as well as in the KBO League for the Kiwoom Heroes. Puig has also represented the Cuba national baseball team, winning a bronze medal in the 2008 World Junior Baseball Championship. Throughout his career, he has showcased his talent with impressive batting stats and has been recognized for his contributions to various teams.

Yoenis Céspedes Milanés, known as "La Potencia," is a former professional baseball outfielder. He debuted in MLB with the Oakland Athletics in 2012 and went on to play for the Boston Red Sox, Detroit Tigers, and New York Mets. Primarily a left fielder early on, he later split time between left and center field. Céspedes had a successful career in the Cuban National Series before transitioning to MLB, where he won the Home Run Derby in 2013 and 2014, earned All-Star honors twice, and played in the World Series in 2015.

Randy Arozarena is a talented professional baseball outfielder who currently plays for the Seattle Mariners in Major League Baseball. He has also played for the St. Louis Cardinals and Tampa Bay Rays. Arozarena made his MLB debut in 2019 and quickly made a name for himself by setting a record for the most home runs in a single postseason. He has received several awards and accolades, including AL Rookie of the Year and being named to the All-Star Game. Arozarena has also represented the Mexican national team in international competitions.

Yasmani Grandal is a highly accomplished professional baseball catcher known for his defensive skills and power at the plate. He has played for several MLB teams, including the San Diego Padres, Los Angeles Dodgers, Milwaukee Brewers, and Chicago White Sox, before joining the Pittsburgh Pirates. Grandal has been selected as an MLB All-Star twice, showcasing his talent and consistency as a top performer in the league. His experience and leadership on the field have made him a valuable asset to his teams throughout his career.

Yordan Ruben Álvarez is a Cuban professional baseball player for the Houston Astros in Major League Baseball. Nicknamed "Air Yordan", he stands 6 ft 5 in and weighs 225 pounds. Álvarez made his MLB debut in 2019 and quickly gained recognition for his slugging abilities. He was named the American League Rookie of the Year in 2019 and has since become known for his clutch hitting. Álvarez won the ALCS MVP award in 2021 and hit a historic walk-off home run in the postseason. In 2022, he secured his first championship with a go-ahead home run in the World Series.

Minnie Miñoso, known as "the Cuban Comet," was a pioneering Cuban professional baseball player who made his mark in the Negro leagues before breaking barriers in Major League Baseball. As a versatile player, he excelled as an All-Star third baseman and left fielder, exhibiting exceptional batting skills and base-running prowess. Miñoso's defensive abilities and power hitting contributed to the success of the Chicago White Sox, where he became a beloved figure in franchise history. Even after his MLB career, he continued to play, manage, and coach, leaving a lasting legacy in baseball history.

Lourdes Gurriel Jr. is a Cuban-American professional baseball left fielder currently playing for the Arizona Diamondbacks in Major League Baseball (MLB). He began his career playing for Sancti Spíritus and the Industriales in Cuba before defecting. Gurriel signed with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2016 and made his MLB debut in 2018. He was later traded to the Diamondbacks in 2023. Gurriel's talent was evident as he quickly became an MLB All-Star and played a key role in helping Arizona reach the 2023 World Series.

Orlando Hernández Pedroso, known as "El Duque," is a former professional baseball pitcher with a successful career in both Cuban and Major League Baseball. He played for various teams, including the New York Yankees, Chicago White Sox, Arizona Diamondbacks, and New York Mets. Hernández achieved great success as a starting pitcher, contributing to multiple World Series championships with the Yankees and the White Sox. He was recognized for his unique pitching style, characterized by a high leg kick and mastery of the Eephus pitch, particularly excelling in playoff situations.

Luis Tiant Vega is a renowned Cuban former MLB right-handed starting pitcher, known for his impressive 19-year career with the Cleveland Indians and Boston Red Sox. Tiant achieved notable milestones, including a 229–172 record, 2416 strikeouts, a 3.30 ERA, 187 complete games, and 49 shutouts in over 3486 innings. He was a three-time All-Star and a four-time 20-game winner. Tiant led the AL in ERA twice, strikeouts per nine innings pitched, and shutouts multiple times. Despite numerous accolades, he narrowly missed induction into the National Baseball Hall of Fame.

Kendrys Morales Rodríguez is a former professional baseball player who primarily served as a designated hitter and first baseman in Major League Baseball. Throughout his career, he played for various teams including the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, Seattle Mariners, Minnesota Twins, Kansas City Royals, Toronto Blue Jays, Oakland Athletics, and New York Yankees. Morales also showcased versatility by occasionally playing right field. He gained notoriety for an ankle injury in 2010 but bounced back to win a Silver Slugger Award and contribute to the Royals' 2015 World Series win.

José Abreu is a Cuban professional baseball first baseman who has played in Major League Baseball for the Chicago White Sox and Houston Astros. He began his career in the Cuban National Series before defecting from Cuba in 2013. Abreu signed with the White Sox in 2013 and quickly made an impact, winning several awards including AL Rookie of the Year, Silver Slugger, and AL MVP. He led the American League in RBIs for multiple seasons and later played for the Houston Astros before being released in 2024.

Liván Hernández Carrera is a retired Cuban-born professional baseball pitcher in Major League Baseball. Over a 17-year career, he played for nine different teams and was named to two All-Star Games. Known for his "slow hook" curveball, Hernández was a two-time All-Star and was considered a great defensive pitcher with just fifteen errors in his career. He was known as a workhorse, consistently pitching deep into games and leading the league in innings pitched and complete games during his career.

Aledmys Díaz Serrano is a Cuban professional baseball utility player known for his versatility on the field. He has played for multiple teams in Major League Baseball, including the St. Louis Cardinals, Toronto Blue Jays, Oakland Athletics, and Houston Astros. Díaz began his career in the Cuban National Series before defecting to the United States and signing with the Cardinals in 2014. He made his MLB debut in 2016, showcasing impressive hitting skills and earning an All-Star selection. Díaz's journey has seen him contribute to a World Series win with the Astros in 2022.

Yoán Moncada is a talented Cuban professional baseball third baseman currently playing for the Chicago White Sox in Major League Baseball (MLB). He made his MLB debut with the Boston Red Sox in 2016 before being traded to the White Sox in the 2016–2017 offseason. Moncada is known for his exceptional skills on the field and has represented the Cuban national team in international competitions, making him one of the few active MLB players to do so. His career is marked by his dedication and success in the sport.

Jorge Soler is a Cuban professional baseball outfielder and designated hitter who has played for multiple MLB teams including the Chicago Cubs, Kansas City Royals, Miami Marlins, San Francisco Giants, and the Atlanta Braves. He defected from Cuba in 2011 to pursue a career in MLB, signing a nine-year contract with the Cubs. Throughout his career, Soler has achieved notable accomplishments such as winning the 2016 and 2021 World Series titles and earning the World Series Most Valuable Player Award in 2021.

Adeiny Hechavarría Barrera is a versatile professional baseball shortstop with an extensive career in various leagues. He has showcased his talent in Major League Baseball playing for several teams such as the Toronto Blue Jays, Miami Marlins, Tampa Bay Rays, Pittsburgh Pirates, New York Yankees, New York Mets, and Atlanta Braves. Additionally, he has gained international experience by playing in Nippon Professional Baseball for the Chiba Lotte Marines. Currently, he continues to excel in his career as a player for the Olmecas de Tabasco in the Mexican League.

Lourdes Gourriel Delgado is a highly accomplished Cuban baseball player known for his outstanding career achievements. He has represented Cuba in various international competitions, including the Olympics, where he clinched a gold medal. Gourriel's exceptional skills and dedication to the sport have earned him a reputation as a formidable athlete. His contributions to the world of baseball have left a lasting impact, inspiring many aspiring players to pursue excellence in the sport.

Octavio Víctor "Cookie" Rojas Rivas is a Cuban-American former professional baseball player, coach, and manager. He played in Major League Baseball as a versatile infielder and outfielder, notably with the Philadelphia Phillies and Kansas City Royals. Rojas was an All-Star player, excelling defensively and leading the AL in fielding percentage during his career. After retiring as a player, he transitioned to coaching with various teams including the Chicago Cubs, California Angels, and New York Mets. Rojas also worked as a television sports presenter for the Miami Marlins.

Yonder Alonso is a former professional baseball first baseman and current MLB Network analyst. He played for multiple Major League Baseball teams including the Cincinnati Reds, San Diego Padres, Oakland Athletics, Seattle Mariners, Cleveland Indians, Chicago White Sox, and Colorado Rockies. Alonso also had a successful college baseball career at the University of Miami before entering the major leagues. Known for his defensive skills and solid hitting, Alonso has made a significant impact in the world of baseball both as a player and now as an analyst.

Adrián Morejón Garcia is a Cuban professional baseball pitcher for the San Diego Padres of Major League Baseball (MLB). He made his MLB debut in 2019. Morejón has showcased his talent and potential as a promising young pitcher for the Padres. Known for his strong pitching arm and solid mechanics, he has become a valuable asset to the team's pitching rotation. Morejón continues to hone his skills and make significant contributions to the Padres' success on the field.

Tony Pérez had a successful professional baseball career as a first baseman and third baseman in Major League Baseball. He played for teams such as the Cincinnati Reds, Montreal Expos, Boston Red Sox, and Philadelphia Phillies. Pérez was a key player in the Cincinnati Reds dynasty that won four National League pennants and two World Series championships between 1970 and 1976. After retiring as a player, he transitioned to coaching and managing, eventually being inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame in 2000.

Luis Robert Moirán Jr. is a talented professional baseball outfielder for the Chicago White Sox in Major League Baseball (MLB). He defected from Cuba in 2016 and signed with the White Sox in 2017. Robert's MLB debut occurred in 2020, where he quickly made a name for himself by winning the Gold Glove Award. His outstanding performance led to his selection as an All-Star in 2023, showcasing his exceptional skills and contributions to the game.

Yuli Gurriel, also known as La Piña, is a Cuban professional baseball first baseman currently with the Atlanta Braves. He has played in various leagues including the Cuban National Series, Nippon Professional Baseball, and Major League Baseball for the Houston Astros and Miami Marlins. Gurriel is a former member of Cuba's national team and has achieved success by winning an Olympic Games gold medal. He has been a key player in the Astros' World Series victories in 2017 and 2022, and has also earned individual accolades such as the AL batting title and Gold Glove Award.

Yandy Díaz Fernández is a professional baseball player who currently plays as a third baseman and first baseman for the Tampa Bay Rays in Major League Baseball. He began his MLB career with the Cleveland Indians before joining the Rays. Known for his versatility in the infield, Diaz has showcased his defensive skills and solid hitting abilities throughout his professional career. His contributions to both the Indians and Rays have made him a valuable asset to his teams and a respected player in the league.

Adolfo Domingo De Guzmán Luque was a pioneering Cuban starting pitcher in MLB, playing from 1914 to 1935. He made a significant impact during his 12 seasons with the Cincinnati Reds, becoming the first Latin American pitcher in MLB history. Luque achieved various milestones, including winning a World Series in 1919 and leading in wins, shutouts, and ERA. He also excelled as a manager in the Cuban and Mexican Leagues, winning multiple championships and earning inductions into several baseball Halls of Fame.

Martín Dihigo, known as The Immortal and The Maestro, had a distinguished professional baseball career spanning from 1923 to 1936. He played in the Negro leagues and Latin American leagues as a versatile two-way player, excelling as both a pitcher and a second baseman. Dihigo also demonstrated exceptional skills at all nine positions on the field. Later in his career, he transitioned to become a successful manager, leaving a lasting legacy as one of the most talented and versatile players in baseball history.