The long wait is over for Cienfuegos native César Prieto. On Sunday, he hit his first extra-base hit in Major League Baseball with a triple to right-center field during the final game of the MLB regular season.
The milestone came during the St. Louis Cardinals' 6-4 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field. Prieto, batting eighth and playing second base, made the highlight, as reported by Pelota Cubana USA on social media.
The ball rocketed into the depths of right-center field, grazing off the glove of outfielder Garrett Mitchell, who sprinted a long way but couldn't catch it. Prieto, rounding second base, dove headfirst into third to secure the triple.
"Shot like a cannonball to right-center. It slips out of Mitchell's glove. Prieto rounds second. He's heading to third with a headfirst slide. His first extra-base hit in the Major Leagues," exclaimed the game's announcer.
This hit marked Prieto's third of the 2026 MLB season and the fourth of his Big Show career. He finished the game 1-for-4 with a strikeout, and the triple added to his record of scoring two runs in the Majors, although he still has no RBIs.
Ups and Downs in Prieto's 2026 Season
The achievement carries bittersweet notes. The 2026 season was a rollercoaster for the Cuban second baseman, who had three stints in the Majors—in May, August, and September—returning to Triple-A Memphis each time. He accumulated just 34 at-bats in the MLB, with a .059 average and zero RBIs.
His performance in the Minors paints a stark contrast. With the Memphis Redbirds in Triple-A, Prieto batted .308, hitting 12 home runs and driving in 43 runs over 335 plate appearances, solidifying his status as one of the most promising Cuban prospects in the St. Louis system.
From Cuba to the Big Leagues
Born in Cienfuegos in 1999, Prieto defected from the Cuban national team in May 2021 and initially signed with the Baltimore Orioles. He joined the Cardinals in August 2023 as part of the trade sending pitcher Jack Flaherty to Baltimore. Prieto made his MLB debut on August 29, 2025, and notched his first hit—a single—two days later against Cincinnati.
The Cardinals wrapped up the 2026 season with a record of 77-84, placing fourth in the National League Central Division, far behind the Brewers, who clinched the division title with a 102-59 record.
As the last day of the regular season concluded, Prieto's triple stands as his most significant moment in the Majors so far. The lingering question is whether he will finally secure his spot in St. Louis' roster in 2027.
Key Highlights of César Prieto's MLB Journey
What was César Prieto's first extra-base hit in MLB?
César Prieto's first extra-base hit in MLB was a triple to right-center field.
How did César Prieto perform in the 2026 season?
In the 2026 MLB season, Prieto struggled with a .059 average and zero RBIs, but he excelled in Triple-A with a .308 average, 12 home runs, and 43 RBIs.
When did César Prieto defect from Cuba?
César Prieto defected from the Cuban national team in May 2021.