MLB: The Top Ten Biggest Cuban Busts

As the next wave of Cuban players get ready to play in MLB, here are ten that came with lofty expectations but never panned out.

The Los Angeles Dodgers demotion of Yasiel Puig earlier this month was the latest Cuban player that has disappointed after being a high level prospect with potential to become a superstar in MLB. The trend has been to sign the Cuban defectors to large contracts. The reality is that their experience in Cuba is equivalent to AA or AAA in the U.S. minor leagues.

The Dodgers have been particularly stung by the lack of success of the Cuban signings. Puig, third baseman Alex Guerrero and shortstop Erisbel Arruebarrena have all been disappointments at Chavez Ravine. Those three contracts combined cost the Dodgers $95 million.

The failures of the Cuban projected superstars outweighs the successes. American players have to adjust from amateur to professional baseball. The Cuban players have far greater adjustments to make in addition to becoming a professional baseball player.

Lisa Carney of Sons of Sam Horn examined the totality of the changes the Cuban players must make. The analysis was spot on when she said:

"“Transitioning through MLB is challenging enough; throw in learning a new language and assimilating to a democratic/capitalist society, all while constantly fearing for the health and safety of the loved ones left behind, and it is downright amazing that these players are even able to stick at the major-league level, never mind excel.”"

This Cuban phenomenon goes back to the late 1990’s. Livan and Orlando “El Duque” Hernández along with Jose Contreras were the beginning of a flood of Cuban players to the States.

The risks are great for signing an unproven player. Many of the Cuban signees are older than the drafted players.  The failures of the Cuban players with exorbitant contracts should make the teams more fiscally conservative. The likelihood is that as long as the demand is there and a player has perceived immense potential, the teams will continue to bid high for Cuban defectors. The contracts for Cuban players has gotten out of control. 

Next: #10