There will be quite a few Cubans competing in the 2023 Major League Baseball playoffs beginning today. A dozen Cuban players will compete in the MLB post-season on seven different teams in their quest to become World Series champions.
A Cuban October in the Majors
On Tuesday, the MLB postseason will kick off. October’s curtain will rise with the wildcard playoffs: Texas Rangers vs. Tampa Bay Rays, Toronto Blue Jays vs. Minnesota Twins, Arizona Diamondbacks vs. Milwaukee Brewers, and Miami Marlins vs. Philadelphia Phillies.
As has been the case in recent years, the presence of Cuban players will liven up the Major League Baseball festivities. This time, there will be 12 players born in Cuba who will be in action on the rosters of their respective franchises.
Yandy Díaz and Randy Arozarena (Tampa Bay Rays)
The duo of Yandy Díaz and Randy Arozarena wreaked havoc this year in the American League East Division. Yandy had a dreamlike 2023 season, leading the batters of the new league (.330). The Villa Clara native hit 22 home runs and drove in 78 runs as the leadoff hitter. As for Randy, his mix of speed and power stood out once again, combining 23 home runs and 22 stolen bases.
Jorge Soler and Yuli Gurriel (Miami Marlins)
After three years out of it, the Miami Marlins return to the postseason, and a big part of it was thanks to Cuban player Jorge Soler. “El crudo” hit 36 home runs and drove in 75 runs. Without his contribution, the fish wouldn’t have reached the postseason. Another player returning to October is Yuli Gurriel, who, in his new role as a utility player, brought experience and quality to the Marlins’ bench. Both Soler and Gurriel know what it’s like to win the World Series twice.
Lourdes Gurriel Jr. (Arizona Diamondbacks)
2023 has been the best year for the youngest of the Gurriel brothers. With fewer injuries and more continuity, Lourdes Jr. was able to showcase his talent with his new team. Offensively, he hit 59 extra-base hits, 24 of them home runs, and drove in 82 runs. His performance was rewarded in July with his inclusion in the All-Star Game.
Yordan Álvarez and José Abreu (Houston Astros)
The Cuban power duo is Yordan Álvarez and José Abreu. The first one had another impressive season, despite injuries that prevented him from achieving even better numbers. Nevertheless, Yordan showcased a .293 batting average, hit 31 home runs, and drove in 97 runs, numbers that very few can match. As for “Pito” Abreu, despite not having his best year, he managed to drive in 90 runs, which is still impressive.
Adolis García and Aroldis Chapman (Texas Rangers)
Adolis García was another Cuban player who had his best year in 2023: 39 home runs and 107 RBIs, making him the only player born in Cuba to surpass the 100 RBIs mark. He will be joined in the postseason by Aroldis Chapman, the “Cuban Missile,” who is experiencing a second wind since leaving the New York Yankees.
Cionel Pérez and Yennier Cano (Baltimore Orioles)
Cuban pitchers are not abundant in the MLB, but the Baltimore Orioles have two of them: Cionel Pérez and Yennier Cano. The first completed his second year in the Orioles’ bullpen, which has led to a stabilization of his performance, while the second had a decent season in which he saved eight games and pitched to a 2.11 ERA.
Raisel Iglesias (Atlanta Braves)
In his first full year with the Atlanta Braves, Raisel Iglesias showed why he is one of the best closers of the last decade. He finished the season with a record of five wins and four losses, a 2.75 ERA, and 33 saves, the fifth-best mark in the National League.