Colombian Talent is Also Present in the Major Leagues

Throughout its history, the Major Leagues have always had the participation of Latin American players, those who with their explosive Caribbean touch give the sport more eye-catching throughout the season. Although the countries that have stood out the most are Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Mexico, and Cuba, it is worth mentioning that in recent years there has been an increase in representatives from Colombia.

To date, the South American country has had a total of 26 players in the MLB. Although historically baseball has not been the sport par excellence, the talent that is seen year after year is still enormous, to the point that many of those future promises are already seen in the mirror of icons such as Edgar Renteria or Orlando Cabrera. Both have World Series titles and Golden Gloves, thus demonstrating that thanks to perseverance and work, goals can be met.

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For 2021 there is the peculiarity that Colombia has a good number of players participating in the best baseball in the world. Given this, and as the season is reaching its half, we have put together a list with those heroes of Colombian sports who day after day continue to raise the country's flag. It should be noted that the names of Tayron Guerrero, Meibrys Viloria, Óscar Mercado, Luis Patiño, among others, will not be there, since they are standing out in the minor leagues.

Julio Therán

From 2011 to 2019 the pitcher made his career with the Atlanta Braves, achieving a total of 77 victories. Last season he had a bad year with the Los Angeles Angels and so he decided to look for fresh air. However, 2021 with the Detroit Tigers has not been all that good, as a shoulder strain placed him on the disabled list since April. In his only appearance, he pitched 5 innings, striking out three opponents and posting a 1.80 ERA for the win.

Jose Quintana

After passing through the two Chicago teams, White Sox and Cubs, the experienced pitcher lives a new adventure with the Los Angeles Angels for this 2021. Due to inflammation in his shoulder, the left-hander had entered the disabled list, but fortunately, he came back stronger to try to improve his numbers: 0 wins and 3 losses in 11 games, with a 7.12 ERA in 36.2 innings and a total of 56 strikeouts.

Nabil Cristmatt

The pitcher is the last Colombian -for now- to make his major league debut. His stint with the St. Louis Cardinals was modest and he was only on the mound for 8.1 innings last year. Now, with the San Diego Padres, he is looking for more prominence this season and little by little he is getting it. Nabil is one of those relievers capable of getting zeroes when the game needs it, and proof of that is in his current numbers: 2 wins and 1 loss with a 3.52 ERA in 38.1 innings, with 36 strikeouts and 14 walks.

Jorge Alfaro

Since he debuted in the majors with the Philadelphia Phillies in 2016, the catcher's defensive/offensive performance has improved more and more. It should be noted that the Sincelejo-born is the first player from the department of Sucre to reach the Major Leagues. In 2021 he already celebrates his third season with the Miami Marlins, where he shares a position with another Latino: the Venezuelan Sandy León. The competitive numbers -so far- for "the Bear" are .250 average, 2 home runs, and 9 RBIs.

Donovan Solano

The second baseman debuted in 2012 with the Miami Marlins and interned with the New York Yankees before landing in San Francisco, where he already has three seasons with the Giants. Although he is not a power player, the Barranquilla always responds in opportune moments. He currently has a .272 average, 3 home runs, 17 RBIs, and 21 runs scored.

Giovanny Urshela

The third baseman made his MLB debut in 2015 in the Cleveland Indians uniform. Thanks to his good defense and excellent power, the Cartagena made the leap to the New York Yankees where he is now three years old. Gio managed to overcome an elbow operation and today he is one of the most active players on his team. He has a .268 average, 9 home runs, and 31 RBIs.

Harold Ramirez

He is one of the most promising Colombian baseball players. His debut season with the Miami Marlins, in 2019, left more than one speechless by the excellent numbers for a rookie. After 2020 to be forgotten by COVID-19 and an injury, the Cartagena came to the Cleveland Indians with the mission of taking over one of the gardens. So far, his stats are .278 batting average, 6 home runs, 19 RBIs, and 19 runs scored.