These 10 Latino MLB Players Are Taking Over the League—And We’re So Here for It
The 2025 MLB season is just getting started, and while it might be too early to overreact, one thing’s already clear: Latinos in MLB are dominating the narrative. According to MLB data, nearly 30% of MLB rosters are composed of Latino players, and their influence on the game—and its culture—has never been stronger.
From historical trailblazers to the current kings of the diamond, Latino players have turned baseball into a space for cultural pride, dynamic energy, and unfiltered talent. Here are 10 players making serious noise this season.
Juan Soto Is Cementing His Place in Baseball History
Juan Soto might only be 26, but he’s already rewriting MLB history. Born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, Soto signed a 15-year, $765 million deal with the New York Mets—the largest in league history.
After hitting .288/.421/.572 with 41 home runs and 109 RBIs last season with the Yankees, Soto is now carrying his power and plate discipline to the Mets. His 769 career walks are already the most before age 26 and second-most before age 27, trailing only Mickey Mantle.
Yordan Alvarez Is Living Up to His Nickname “Air Yordan”
Yordan Alvarez continues to terrorize pitchers in the American League. The Cuban-born slugger from Las Tunas hit .308/.392/.567 with 35 homers and 86 RBIs last season, earning his third straight All-Star selection and being named the Astros’ MVP.
His nickname, “Air Yordan,” speaks to the kind of majestic power he brings to every swing. The Houston Astros may have a stacked roster, but Alvarez is the heartbeat of their offense.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Is Carrying the Legacy — and Then Some
With a Hall of Famer dad and his own MVP-level talent, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. has the weight of legacy on his shoulders—and he wears it well. The Toronto Blue Jays first baseman had 27 home runs and 93 RBIs in 132 games last year.
Born in Montreal but raised in the Dominican Republic, Guerrero Jr. became the youngest All-Star MVP in 2021. He and his father are the second father-son duo in MLB history with 40-homer seasons. Iconic, much?
José Ramírez Keeps Proving Why He’s One of the Best Switch-Hitters in the Game
Cleveland Guardians’ third baseman José Ramírez is putting up numbers that few can match. In 2024, he played 158 games, scored 114 runs, racked up 173 hits, hit 39 home runs, drove in 118 RBIs, and stole 41 bases.
The Dominican-born star from Baní is known for his versatility at the plate and his killer instinct in the field. His nickname? Enriquito. His favorite artist? Anuel AA. His energy? Unmatched.
Ketel Marte Is the Spark Plug for the Diamondbacks
Ketel Marte’s consistency has been a game-changer for the Arizona Diamondbacks. The Dominican second baseman hit .292 with 36 home runs and 95 RBIs in 2024. He also had a 21-game hitting streak—the longest in the league last year.
Named NLCS MVP in 2023, Marte helped carry the Diamondbacks to the World Series. Whether he’s going by “The Pike” or “El Nino,” Marte is one of the most exciting Latinos in MLB.
Framber Valdez Learned to Pitch Left-Handed—on Purpose
Framber Valdez, pitcher for the Houston Astros, was born right-handed in Palenque, Dominican Republic. But as a kid, he taught himself to throw left-handed after learning lefty pitchers were more valuable in baseball.
His bet paid off. In 2024, Valdez had a 15-7 record with a 2.91 ERA and 169 strikeouts over 176.1 innings. He’s nicknamed “La Grasa” for his slick fashion style, and in 2021, he donated $100,000 to build a church in his hometown.
Francisco Lindor Is Leading With a Smile
Known as “Mr. Smile,” Puerto Rican shortstop Francisco Lindor is one of the most charismatic players in the league. Born in Caguas, Puerto Rico, Lindor hit 33 home runs and drove in 91 RBIs last season. He also stole 29 bases in 152 games.
In 2016, he became the first Puerto Rican shortstop to win a Gold Glove Award. He was the team captain for Puerto Rico at the 2023 World Baseball Classic and still finds time to blast Daddy Yankee on repeat.
Elly De La Cruz Is Bringing Flash and Power to the Reds
At just 23 years old, Elly De La Cruz is electrifying the league. Born in Sabana Grande de Boyá, Dominican Republic, he led MLB with 67 stolen bases last season, while also notching 160 hits and 25 home runs in 160 games.
A 6-foot-5 switch-hitter with speed and flair, De La Cruz wears a locket with a photo of his parents from the day he signed with the Reds. He made history in January as the first Reds player to be featured on the cover of MLB The Show 25.
William Contreras Is Carrying on a Family Tradition
Venezuelan catcher William Contreras continues to make his mark. Born in Puerto Cabello, Contreras recorded 167 hits, 23 home runs, and 92 RBIs last season with the Milwaukee Brewers.
He is the younger brother of Wilson Contreras, catcher for the St. Louis Cardinals. William earned a Silver Slugger in 2023 and returned to the All-Star Game in 2024.
Emmanuel Clase Might Be the Most Clutch Closer in Baseball
If you blink, you might miss Emmanuel Clase’s 100 mph cutter. The Cleveland Guardians pitcher, born in Río San Juan, Dominican Republic, led the American League in saves in both 2022 and 2023.
In 2024, he had a jaw-dropping 0.61 ERA and converted 47 saves, earning his second AL Reliever of the Year award. His nickname? “La Kabra” or “The Goat”—and it’s well deserved.
