Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and Yoan Moncada hit home runs in Major League action

Both players reaffirm the prominence of Cuban talent in MLB, not only for their sporadic power but also for their ability to reinvent themselves and deliver in key moments of the competitive season.

Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and Yoan MoncadaPhoto © Facebook/Francys Romero

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Cuban baseball players Lourdes Gurriel Jr. and Yoan Moncada shone in the most recent day of Major League Baseball (MLB) by hitting home runs that not only affected the score but also their respective trajectories in the 2025 season.

Gurriel Jr., outfielder for the Arizona Diamondbacks, hit his sixth home run of the year and reached 20 runs batted in this season.

Power is not the only good news. Beyond that strength, what is drawing attention is its progressive improvement in contact and offensive discipline, according to journalist Francys Romero on the social network Facebook.

The player from Sancti Spíritus currently ranks tenth in all of MLB in strikeout frequency per at-bat, with just one strikeout every eight appearances. His strikeout percentage (K%) has decreased from 18.3% in 2024 to 11.6% this year, a significant reduction of 6.7 percentage points, highlighting his evolution as a more complete and selective hitter.

Moncada responds strongly after returning from the injury

For his part, the outfielder Moncada, who returned to the lineup after being activated from the injured list, hit his first home run of the season with the Los Angeles Angels, according to Romero himself on the mentioned platform.

The three-run homer came in the eighth inning with a count of 0-0 against a 97 MPH fastball from Blue Jays reliever Jeff Hoffman, and it helped extend his team's lead to 7-3.

This was the 94th home run of Moncada's career in the Major Leagues, a number that brings him closer to the 100 club, while he works to regain offensive rhythm following his physical issues.

Without a doubt, both players reaffirm the prominence of Cuban talent in MLB, not only for their occasional power but also for their ability to reinvent themselves and perform in key moments of the competitive season.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Performance of Cuban Players in MLB 2025

How has Lourdes Gurriel Jr. improved in the 2025 MLB season?

Lourdes Gurriel Jr. has significantly improved his offensive discipline, reducing his strikeout rate from 18.3% in 2024 to 11.6% in 2025. Additionally, he has hit his sixth home run of the season and driven in 20 runs, standing out for his contact ability and selectivity at the plate.

What was Yoan Moncada's performance after his return from injury?

Yoan Moncada, after returning from the injured list, hit his first home run of the season with the Los Angeles Angels, a three-run blast that helped extend his team's lead to 7-3. This was Moncada's 94th home run in his Major League career, drawing closer to the 100 home run club.

What impact do Cuban players have in MLB 2025?

Cuban baseball players are demonstrating remarkable prominence in the MLB 2025, not only for their occasional power but also for their ability to reinvent themselves and perform in key moments of the competitive period. Figures such as Lourdes Gurriel Jr., Yoan Moncada, and Yulieski Gurriel continue to make their mark in the best baseball in the world.

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CiberCuba Editorial Team

A team of journalists committed to reporting on Cuban current affairs and topics of global interest. At CiberCuba, we work to deliver truthful news and critical analysis.

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