Baseball player César Prieto has been reassigned to the Memphis Redbirds after the St. Louis Cardinals sent him back to Triple-A this Tuesday, concluding his third stint with the Major League team this season.
This roster move coincided with the activation of shortstop Masyn Winn from the 10-day injured list. Winn had been sidelined with a fractured left thumb since late August.
Winn's return to the active roster took Prieto's spot, thereby ending the window that allowed the Cuban player his third call-up to the big leagues.
The infielder from Cienfuegos was called up from Memphis on August 30, but opportunities were limited: only two games and two plate appearances in just over a week.
During one of those appearances, he grounded out to second base; in the other, he drew a walk, unable to showcase the form that has made him one of the most productive hitters in Triple-A.
The 2026 Major League season has been statistically frustrating for Prieto: 32 at-bats, only 2 hits, and a batting average of .063, with no home runs or RBIs in his three combined stints.
Triple-A Success vs. Major League Struggles
The difference in his performance between Triple-A and the Majors is stark.
With the Memphis Redbirds in 2026, the 27-year-old Cuban boasts a .308/.367/.505 slash line, hitting 12 home runs and driving in 43 runs over 335 plate appearances, placing him among the top hitters in his category.
This pattern of outstanding production in the minors without securing a permanent spot in elite baseball has defined Prieto's entire campaign. He was called up by St. Louis on May 4, August 4, and August 30 without managing to secure a lasting position.
The Cuban debuted in the Majors on August 29, 2025, becoming the 33rd Cuban player to appear in an MLB regular season game, after defecting from the national team in May 2021 during the Olympic qualifier in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Originally signed by the Baltimore Orioles and later traded to the Cardinals organization in 2023, Prieto has spent two seasons trying to secure his place in the Majors without success.
At the end of 2025, the Cardinals' manager expressed optimism about the Cuban's future. However, the current season has shown that the gap between his Triple-A success and Major League performance remains the primary hurdle to his establishment in Major League Baseball.
Frequently Asked Questions About César Prieto's Baseball Career
What are César Prieto's statistics in the 2026 MLB season?
In the 2026 MLB season, César Prieto has had 32 at-bats with only 2 hits, resulting in a batting average of .063, and has no home runs or RBIs.
How has César Prieto performed in Triple-A with the Memphis Redbirds in 2026?
In 2026, Prieto has excelled in Triple-A, recording a .308/.367/.505 slash line, with 12 home runs and 43 RBIs in 335 plate appearances.
When did César Prieto make his MLB debut?
César Prieto made his MLB debut on August 29, 2025, becoming the 33rd Cuban player to appear in an MLB regular season game.