With the debut of the star player Yulieski Gurriel wearing the Kansas City Royals uniform, Cuba matched its record of 33 players in a single Major League Baseball season this Sunday, a mark previously set in 2022.
The return of “El Yuli” to the “Big Show” was historic: he rejoined the top competition of the sport, tied the aforementioned figure, and became the first Cuban-born player since José Ariel Contreras (Pirates, 2013) to debut with a new MLB team at the age of 40 or older, a fact shared on Facebook by journalist Francys Romero.
Gurriel, who started as seventh in the lineup and designated hitter, finished 1-for-3 with an RBI and a strikeout, giving him a batting average of .333, according to ESPN statistics. This is a man in his forties who aims to continue shining in the “Big Leagues” after winning two World Series rings with the Astros, a batting title, and a Gold Glove in 2021.
His promotion came after a solid campaign with the Gwinnett, Triple-A affiliate of the Atlanta Braves, where he posted a .292 average, 12 home runs, 48 RBIs, and an OPS of .863. Prior to “La Piña”, Víctor Mederos joined the Los Angeles Angels and a few days earlier, Ribalta had done so with the Washington Nationals, bringing the total to 32 by Sunday morning.
In 2022, the sequence was as follows: Michel Báez (number 29), Yusniel Díaz (30), José Barrero (31), Miguel Antonio Vargas (32), and Norge Luis Ruiz (33).
Cuban Players in Major League Baseball
Here are some frequently asked questions about Cuban players in Major League Baseball, highlighting their impact and contributions.
How many Cuban players are currently in Major League Baseball?
As of this season, there are 33 Cuban players in Major League Baseball, matching the record set in 2022.
Who was the first Cuban-born player to debut with a new MLB team at age 40 or older?
Yulieski Gurriel became the first Cuban-born player since José Ariel Contreras in 2013 to debut with a new MLB team at age 40 or older.
What achievements has Yulieski Gurriel earned in his MLB career?
Yulieski Gurriel has won two World Series rings with the Astros, a batting title, and a Gold Glove in 2021.