The arrival of Lazaro Montes to the Seattle Mariners He once again put the spotlight on Cuban talent. The Havana gardener is not only the most popular newcomer among those born on the island this year: he also reached the Seniors as one of baseball’s top prospects.
Montes, 21, was promoted on September 1 and debuted with a home run against the Red Sox in Fenway Park. MLB pipeline placed him as prospect number 56 of MLB and the fifth from Seattle. He totaled 38 home runs between Double-A and Triple-A, a production that explains his consideration as one of the most promising young bats. His combination of power, youth and offensive projection makes him the great Cuban bet of this class.
But Montes is not the only Cuban who debuted a Major League uniform in 2026. Along with him, four other players born on the island appear: Kendry Rojas, Franco Alemán, Raynel Delgado and Yunior Tur.
Rojas, left-handed Ciego de Ávilais probably the one closest to Montes in terms of projection. The 23-year-old pitcher debuted with Minnesota on April 22 and remains a prospect. In September he ranked sixth among the best promises of the Twinsas an eventual rotation starter. His fastball moves between 95 and 97 miles per hour and the slider is his most notable pitch.
German, born in Yaguajay, Sancti Spíritus, had his chance with cleveland on May 10. The 25-year-old right-hander pitched two scoreless innings in his debut and hit 99 miles per hour. Selected in the tenth round of the 2021 draft, his path has been longer, but his arm keeps him as a bullpen alternative.
Delgado, a 26-year-old Havana native, debuted on June 14 with Houston. The infielder was chosen by Cleveland in the sixth round of the 2018 draft and came to the Major Leagues after several seasons in the Minors. In 2025 he stole 40 bases in Triple-A and showed versatility to defend second, third and shortstop, although his offensive production in MLB has been more discreet.
The fifth is Tur, another pitcher from Havana. The 27-year-old right-hander debuted on July 17 with Oakland after going through several categories of the Minors. At 6 feet, 6 inches, he has an imposing physique and was named the No. 27 prospect in the Athletics before his first call up to the Majors. Its release, however, has been irregular.
With a lot of potential
Thus, Montes’ promotion has a special meaning. The five represent different paths to the Major Leagues, but the Seattle outfielder starts with an advantage in age, tools and consideration within the rankings. Rojas is the other name that deserves close monitoring for his potential as a starter.
The litter confirms that Cuba continues to produce arms and bats capable of reaching the highest level. Now it remains to be seen who manages to turn the debut into a stable career and who, like Montes, manages to take the next step and become a figure.
