The Caribbean Series 2025 kicked off on January 31 in the city of Mexicali, Mexico, with the absence once again of a team representing Cuba.
Despite the island's baseball tradition, its exclusion from regional competition remains a constant since its last participation in 2023 with Agricultores de Granma y Las Tunas, the team that won the Cuban Elite Baseball League (2022-23).
The tournament, which brings together the champion teams of the Caribbean winter leagues, features this year the presence of the Charros de Jalisco (Mexico), Leones del Escogido (Dominican Republic), Cardenales de Lara (Venezuela), Indios de Mayagüez (Puerto Rico), and, for the first time, a guest from Asia, the Breeze team from Japan, marking a milestone in the tournament.
The commissioner of the Caribbean Professional Baseball Confederation (CBPC), Juan Francisco Puello Herrera, stated that "Mexicali will be adorned with the historic inclusion of a Japanese team in the Caribbean Series, an achievement long awaited."
However, traditional teams such as Colombia, Nicaragua, Panama, and Curacao were left out of this edition.
The absence of Cuba is due to the fact that it was not invited to the tournament. According to Commissioner Puello Herrera, "until Cuba resolves its economic situation, which is related to its professional league, we will have issues for it to be a member".
Furthermore, the Cuban baseball league is not part of the CBPC; rather, it is directly governed by the government.
"Crises occur when the new has not fully emerged and the old has not fully died. Other structures in Cuban baseball must now come in", the executive added about the direction of Cuban baseball.
Regarding Colombia, its exclusion is related to economic disagreements. Pedro Salcedo, president of the Professional Baseball League of Colombia, reported in 2024 that they were required to pay $200,000 to participate, which created tensions between the parties.
Additionally, the decision to limit the number of participating teams in Mexicali is due to logistical and climatic considerations.
The commissioner Puello explained that "the temperature here in Mexicali varies greatly. Celebrating three games in Mexicali is not possible. We took this into very serious consideration and decided that there would only be five teams".
It is expected that in future editions the number of participants will be further expanded.
In the 2023 Caribbean Series, held in Venezuela, the Cuban team "Agricultores" had a modest performance, finishing in last place with only one victory in seven games.
For the 2024 edition, which took place in Miami, Cuban authorities confirmed that the national team did not attend the tournament because it was not invited.
This latest edition took place from February 1 to 9 at LoanDepot Park in Miami, marking the first time this tournament was held in a Major League stadium and outside of Latin America since 1991.
In this match, the Tiburones de La Guaira from Venezuela were crowned champions for the first time in their history after defeating the Tigres del Licey from the Dominican Republic 3-0 in the final.
The Venezuelan team benefited from the notable participation of Cuban Yasiel Puig, who, despite injuring himself during the final, significantly contributed to the team's success. Puig celebrated the victory to the rhythm of Venezuelan drums, expressing his joy and gratitude towards the fans.
A notable highlight of this edition was the attendance record set at LoanDepot Park, where 35,972 fans attended one of the games, surpassing the previous record of 35,691 spectators recorded in the 2023 edition in Caracas.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cuba's Absence in the 2025 Caribbean Series
Why is Cuba not participating in the Caribbean Series 2025?
Cuba was not invited to the Caribbean Series 2025 due to economic issues related to its professional league. The commissioner of the Caribbean Professional Baseball Confederation (CBPC), Juan Francisco Puello Herrera, stated that until Cuba resolves these issues, its participation will continue to be a problem.
Which teams are participating in the Caribbean Series 2025?
In the 2025 edition, the Caribbean Series features the presence of the Charros de Jalisco (Mexico), Leones del Escogido (Dominican Republic), Cardenales de Lara (Venezuela), Indios de Mayagüez (Puerto Rico), and for the first time, the Brisa team from Japan, marking a milestone with the participation of an Asian team.
What is the reason for the inclusion of a Japanese team in the Caribbean Series?
The inclusion of a Japanese team in the Caribbean Series 2025 is due to the desire to expand the reach of the tournament and promote cultural and sporting diversity. The commissioner of the CBPC, Juan Francisco Puello Herrera, expressed his pride in achieving the participation of an Asian team in the event.
What challenges does Cuban baseball face in the current international context?
Cuban baseball faces multiple challenges in the international context, including talent emigration and the structural limitations of its league, which is directly dependent on the government. These issues have impacted its ability to compete at the highest level and maintain its relevance in international tournaments such as the Caribbean Series and the Premier 12.
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