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The Cuban Andy Pagés, outfielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers in the Major Leagues, expressed his willingness to join the Team Asere for the VI World Baseball Classic, as long as he receives permission from his organization.
With this "yes, I accept" reported by the specialized site Pelota Cubana, Pagés reaffirmed his desire to represent the island in the important sporting event, as he was already considered for the previous edition, but the executives decided not to include him in the roster.
For the Cuban Baseball Federation, this new statement from the prominent outfielder comes at a crucial moment, as the organization aims to incorporate players with international potential and experience in professional leagues.
In fact, just under a year since the start of the competition, the organization has resumed dialogue with several high-profile athletes, including Andy Ibáñez and Yoan Moncada, who were available for the event in the previous edition.
For the sports movement in the largest of the Antilles, the World Baseball Classic, regarded as the most prestigious international tournament, has set a precedent by serving as a showcase to call upon players not affiliated with the Cuban Baseball Federation, including prominent names like Luis Robert Jr., Roenis Elías, Yoenis Céspedes, and Onelki García.
For now, the current call-up also includes the promising Ernesto Martínez Jr., as reported by Pelota Cubana crediting Francys Romero, one of the most well-known Cuban journalists in the baseball field.
Without a doubt, Andy Pagés emerges as a key player for the near future of national baseball, and his possible inclusion in Team Asere must be a reason for celebration in the offices of the Estadio Latinoamericano in Havana.
The 20 teams have been confirmed
The teams that will compete in the 2026 edition of the tournament are:
America: Puerto Rico, Cuba, Canada, Panama, United States, Mexico, Venezuela, Dominican Republic, Nicaragua, Colombia, and Brazil.
Europe: Italy, Great Britain, Czech Republic, and Netherlands.
Asia and Oceania: Japan, South Korea, Chinese Taipei, Israel, and Australia.
Format, structure, and groups
The tournament will be divided into four groups of five teams.
Group A (San Juan, Puerto Rico): Puerto Rico, Cuba, Panama, Canada, and a qualifying team.
Group B (Houston, USA): United States, Mexico, Italy, Great Britain, and a qualifying team.
Group C (Miami, USA): Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Netherlands, Israel, and one qualified team.
Group D (Tokyo, Japan): Japan, South Korea, Czech Republic, Australia, and one qualified team.
Each team will face the other four teams in their group once, and the two best teams from each zone will advance to the quarter-finals.
In the next phase, the qualifiers will face off in a cross-match: the first place of one group will compete against the second place of another.
The winners will advance to the semifinals, and the champion will be determined in the grand final in the United States. The event will begin on Thursday, March 5, 2026, and will conclude on Tuesday, March 17 of that same month.
Frequently Asked Questions about the World Baseball Classic and Andy Pagés' Participation
Which team will Andy Pagés represent in the 2026 World Baseball Classic?
Andy Pagés, gardener for the Los Angeles Dodgers, has expressed his willingness to represent Cuba in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, as long as he receives permission from his organization in Major League Baseball. Pagés is ready to join "Team Asere" for the tournament.
When will the 2026 World Baseball Classic take place?
The 2026 World Baseball Classic will take place from March 5 to 17. The competition will bring together 20 teams from around the world. The best teams in the world will compete for the title, with the grand final scheduled for March 17 in the United States.
What are the groups for the 2026 World Baseball Classic?
The tournament will be divided into four groups of five teams each. Group A includes Puerto Rico, Cuba, Panama, Canada, and a qualified team, and will be held in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Other groups include teams from the United States, Mexico, Europe, and Asia, with venues in Houston, Miami, and Tokyo.
What impact does the inclusion of players like Andy Pagés have on the Cuban team?
The addition of players with experience in professional leagues like Andy Pagés is crucial for the Cuban team. His presence brings international exposure and valuable experience to the team. Furthermore, this strategy aims to strengthen "Team Asere" in preparation for the global tournament, providing a higher competitive level.
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