Cuban Infielder César Prieto to Debut in MLB with Cardinals
ST. LOUIS – César Prieto is set to become the 33rd Cuban player to appear in a Major League Baseball season, making his debut with the St. Louis Cardinals. The Cardinals announced Prieto’s call-up, marking the culmination of a journey that began with a departure from the Cuban national team.
Prieto’s path to the MLB was initiated after participating in a pre-Olympic baseball tournament in Florida from May 31 to June 5, 2021. leaving the official Cuban delegation during that tournament resulted in a designation of “desertion” by the Cuban Federation, precluding him from future participation in international competitions for Cuba.Shortly after, in 2022, Prieto signed a professional contract with the Baltimore Orioles, who afterward traded him to the St. Louis Cardinals association. He spent four years developing within the cardinals’ minor league system, most recently with the Memphis Redbirds, their Triple-A affiliate.
During his time in the minor leagues, Prieto maintained a .293 batting average and hit 44 home runs. He made his MLB debut with the Cardinals, taking a single at-bat in his first appearance.
Prieto has stated he has no intention of returning to play for the Cuban national team, even if invited. “Even if they call me, my answer will be no,” he said, emphasizing his commitment to pursuing a professional career outside of Cuba.