Cuban infielder César Prieto continues to make waves in the Minor Leagues, yet the St. Louis Cardinals have yet to offer him a shot at the Major Leagues. Despite his impressive performances, the franchise has not given him the chance to step up to baseball's highest level.
On Saturday, Prieto delivered another standout performance with three hits in Triple-A, including his eighth home run of the season. This achievement came in the tenth inning during a game with the Memphis Redbirds, as reported by journalist Francys Romero on Facebook. His performance elevated his batting average to .295, showcasing him as one of the team's most reliable hitters. His statistics reflect a balanced and strong performance: a .304 average against left-handed pitchers and .293 against right-handed ones, highlighting his adaptability and skill against various pitching styles.
Consistent Performance Yet No Promotion
Despite these impressive numbers, the organization has not considered promoting Prieto to the Majors, fueling the perception that he has been unlucky with the franchise. Since joining the St. Louis system, the Cienfuegos native has consistently shown both performance and discipline but has not received a single call-up to the main roster. This lack of opportunity persists even during seasons when the Cardinals have struggled with offensive production in the infield.
At 26, Prieto stands out as one of the most polished Cuban talents in the Minors, characterized by his contact hitting, quick hands, and plate discipline. Additionally, he has demonstrated defensive capabilities as a second baseman, middle infielder, and occasionally at third base.
Overlooked Talent Raises Questions
While other players with less consistency have been given chances in the MLB, Prieto's situation underscores a lack of recognition and trust, prompting questions. What more does the Cienfuegos slugger need to do to earn his call to the "Big Show"? Time is ticking, and his performance continues to make a compelling case for his advancement.
FAQs About César Prieto's MLB Prospects
Why hasn't César Prieto been called up to the MLB?
Despite César Prieto's consistent performance in Triple-A, the St. Louis Cardinals have not offered him a promotion, possibly due to team strategy or other internal decisions.
What are César Prieto's strengths as a player?
César Prieto is known for his contact hitting, quick hands, and strong discipline at the plate. He also has defensive versatility, playing second base, middle infield, and occasionally third base.