As a pastime shared across this hemisphere, almost nothing is more a enjoyable than grabbing a beer and dog at a baseball game. While most sport spectacle is noticed on a slam dunk or a vicious sack, there is almost nothing harder on earth than hitting a fast ball going nearly 100 mph. The skills of baseball are demanding, but thankfully the MLB has an exceptional talent pool in the Latin world. Considering that Latin America has graced baseball with its high level play for decades, here is LETNetwork’s list for the top 10 Latino baseball players in the game today.
Manny Machado
Born and raised in Miami, Florida, Manny Machado was one of the most anticipated and sought after prospects coming into the 2012 season. Making the all-star team in 2013, he lead the league that same year in doubles. He has been lauded for his defensive ability as well, winning two golden glove awards. Machado made history as his free agent contract last year with the Padres was at one point the highest paid contract in the history of North American sports, being paid 300 million for 10 years.
Nolan Arendo
A player of Cuban and Puerto Rican ancestry, Nolan Arendo is one of the most well rounded and impressive baseball players in the game. Known for both his offensive and defensive abilities, he has won the Wilson Defensive Player of the Year 3 consecutive times and has won the Silver Slugger Award 4 times. The youngest player in the Rockies history to reach 100 home runs, he has lead the MLB in runs batted since 2015.
Robinson Canó
Born in San Pedro de Macorís, Dominican Republic, Robinson Canó is one of the first four players to win both a World Series and a World Baseball Classic. An eight-time all-star, five-time Silver Slugger Award winner, and two-time Golden Glove Award winner, he is one most elite players in baseball. This is even more evident from his MVP’s in both the World Baseball Classic tournament and in the 2017 all star game.
Nelson Cruz
Born in Las Matas de Santa Cruz, Dominican Republic, Nelson Cruz is both the right fielder and the designated hitter for the Minnesota Twins. A six time all-star, Cruz has quite a few impressive records to his name. The year he won MVP in ALCS, he batted 6 home runs with 13 runs batted in (the most in a single post season series). He also holds the record for most home runs of the 2010’s with 346.
José Altuve
Growing up in Maracay, Venezuela, Altuve is one of the best baseball players on the planet. A six time all-star, he was voted the starting second baseman for the AL all-star game 4 times. He has recorded at least 200 hits for multiple seasons, has won the AL batting championship 3 times, and has even won a Golden Glove Award. His accomplishments do not end there, as he has also led his conference in bases stolen twice and won the ALCS MVP along with his championship.
Carlos Correa
Born in Ponce, Puerto Rico, Carlos Correa is one of the youngest players on this list. Making his MLB debut in 2015, he won the AL Rookie of the Year. Though injured in the most recent years, his ability as player shouldn’t be doubted. Becoming an all-star in 2017, he added being a champion to his accomplishments that same year. Only 25 years old, plenty of spectacle remains in his career.
Miguel Cabrera
Born in Maracay, Aragua State, Venezuela, “Miggy” plays first baseman for the Detroit Tigers. A 2 time American League MVP and 4 time batting champion, he has been an all-star for 11 seasons. Playing in the MLB for nearly 20 seasons, he is in the top 50 for multiple all-time records. To this day he has the 33rd-highest career slugging percentage of all baseball players at .5427.
Luis Severino
Born in Sabana de la Mar, Dominican Republic, Severino made his MLB debut in 2015 as a pitcher for the New York Yankees. After an underwhelming 2016 season, he broke out in 2017 when he established himself as one of the best pitchers in the league. Now a 2 time all-star, his fastball was clocked at a whopping 101 mph in 2017.
Ronald Acuña Jr.
The youngest player on this list, Ronald Acuña Jr. is one of the most promising prospects in the sport. Hailing from Venezuela and making his MLB debut in 2018, he plays outfielder for the Atlanta Braves. Winning the National League Rookie of the Year in 2018, he broke out even more this year by making the all-star team. A Silver Slugger Award Winner along with leading the NL in stolen bases, the sky is the limit for this 22 year old.
Carlos González
Nicknamed CarGo, the Venezuelan right fielder has been a 3 time all-star. Now playing for the Seattle Mariners, he has played for the Colorado Rockies, the Oakland Athletics, the Cleveland Indians, and the Chicago Cubs. The national league batting champion in 2010, he has won 2 Silver Slugger Awards along with 3 Golden Glove Awards.
