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by | Dec 1, 2017

César Prieto (born May 10, 1999[1]) is a Cuban professional baseball infielder in the St Louis Cardinals organization.

Career

Prieto was a member of the Cuba national baseball team. He also joined the Elefantes de Cienfuegos in 2017. His performance as an infielder and batter was considered one of the best in Cuba. Prieto defected to the United States in 2021 while in Florida for the qualifying tournament for the 2020 Summer Olympics.[2][3]

Baltimore Orioles

On January 16, 2022, Prieto signed with the Baltimore Orioles as an international free agent for a bonus of $650,000.[4] He split the season between the High–A Aberdeen IronBirds and Double–A Bowie Baysox. In 115 total contests, Prieto batted .273/.314/.404 with 11 home runs and 57 RBI.[5]

In 2023, Prieto played in 58 games for Bowie, hitting .364 with 4 home runs and 29 RBI before he was promoted to the Triple–A Norfolk Tides. In 27 games for Norfolk, he slashed .317/.365/.471 with 2 home runs and 20 RBI.[6]

St. Louis Cardinals

On August 1, 2023, Prieto, Drew Rom, and Zack Showalter were traded to the St. Louis Cardinals in exchange for pitcher Jack Flaherty.[7]

References

  1. ^ "Cuban baseball star defects on arrival in US". www.theaustralian.com.au. 27 May 2021. Retrieved 2021-05-27.
  2. ^ "Who is César Prieto? Breaking Down Cuba's Top Baseball Talent After Defection to U.S." Retrieved 2021-05-27.
  3. ^ "César Prieto: Cuban baseball player defects on Florida trip". BBC News. 27 May 2021. Retrieved 2021-05-27.
  4. ^ "César Prieto gives Orioles potential 2022 infield help as part of international signing class".
  5. ^ "Orioles prospect season in review: César Prieto". camdenchat.com. Retrieved October 8, 2023.
  6. ^ "Cesar Prieto - Stats - Batting". fangraphs.com. Retrieved October 8, 2023.
  7. ^ Axisa, Mile. "Jack Flaherty trade: Orioles acquire starting pitcher in deadline deal with Cardinals". CBSSports.com.

External links