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Star player Luis Robert Moirán reflected on his experience with the Cuba team at the 2023 World Baseball Classic and stated that he does not plan to participate in the next edition in 2026.
In statements to specialist journalist Francys Romero during the visit of his Chicago White Sox team to Miami, the outfielder expressed that "the Classic was a very beautiful experience, both personally and athletically. It was a dream I had, and thank God I was able to fulfill it."
Despite the positive feelings and having reached the semifinals of the competition, Robert added in an interview published on Facebook: "I have already fulfilled my dream, and I don't think I will go for 2026."
Luis Robert, Yoan Moncada, also from the White Sox, and other players with professional contracts have faced criticism from a segment of the Cuban exile community—including some ballplayers— for saying "I do" to the dictatorship of Havana.
During the island team's participation in the final phase held at LoanDepot Park in Miami, thousands of people demonstrated against the communist regime.
It is worth noting that the seats located behind "home plate" in the semifinal match against the United States became an improvised stand where signs against the regime were held up by various individuals, including the reggaeton artist Ovi, influencer Alexander Otaola, and singer "La Diosa".
In light of the situation, the park ranger downplayed the behavior of the Cuban fans during the series against the Marlins. "This time is different; it's a different atmosphere, I think. But anyway, the fans are there to say and do what they want. My job is to play baseball."
The athlete also spoke about the possibility of being transferred to another team. "I am ready. If the team decides to send me to another team, I will go to that team. But I'm not thinking about that," he commented.
In the midst of an extremely challenging season for his team in Major League Baseball, the center fielder stands out as one of the few bright spots, even though he missed two months of action due to a hip injury just seven games after Opening Day.
"It was really tough because I worked hard during the preseason. My mindset this year was to show that I could play without getting injured. And it’s just super frustrating to go through that again," he expressed.
Regarding his recovery, he added: "It's very difficult to come back from an injury, being out for two months and trying to regain the timing of the pitches. It's no secret that pitches are quite difficult to decipher, but little by little, we're improving."
With the goal of reaching the Major Leagues, Robert left Cuba in November 2016, and in May of the following year, the Chicago White Sox officially signed him for a multi-million dollar deal.
He made his debut in the Major Leagues in 2020, when he won a Gold Glove. However, his standout season was the previous one—2023—when he participated in the All-Star Game, hit 38 home runs, and won the Silver Bat, among other impressive statistics.
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