Related videos:
The Major League player Yariel Rodríguez confessed that he would love to play in a World Baseball Classic again with Team Cuba.
“I would like to play with Cuba in a Classic again,” he said in an interview with the independent media Swing Completo.
"For me, it would be a pleasure to share again with a team Cuba, because what you experience there with your teammates, that atmosphere you live in, you never experience it again. For me, that Classic, that environment, that great desire to win, to share with friends, is very important," commented the Toronto Blue Jays' relief pitcher.
Rodríguez also mentioned that he was able to reunite with his wife and son in Toronto and that he is trying to "get them the documents" so that they can also visit the U.S.
"At first, I never thought I would be on a Major League field, but as the years went by, and when I arrived in Japan, I tried my hand there and saw that I was improving every day. Years went by, and I started getting better results. Well, every player would love to play in the Major Leagues. Unfortunately, it's not possible from Cuba," he said
"I went after my dream; it was my dream to play here," he confessed.
Rodríguez, who arrived in MLB with experience from Japan's NPB and his participation in the World Baseball Classic representing the island, seems to have found his best expression in middle relief so far in his second season in Toronto.
Their adaptation to the circuit has been gradual, and in May they showed clear signs of consolidation.
The 28-year-old from Camagüey, who has not allowed any runs in his last 10 innings pitched, continues to earn the trust of the Canadian coaching staff and is establishing himself as a reliable option in high-pressure situations.
So far this season, as of this Sunday, he has aERA of 2.61 over 31 innings pitched, a WHIP of 0.94, with 29 strikeouts.
The VI World Baseball Classic will take place in March 2026, and the Cuban team will face an extremely competitive first round in Puerto Rico in what many are calling "the pool of death," along with the host, Canada, Panama, and Colombia. In the fifth edition, the inclusion of MLB players in the regime's team caused significant controversy within the Cuban exile community.
Frequently Asked Questions about Yariel Rodríguez and His Participation in the World Baseball Classic
Why does Yariel Rodríguez want to play with Cuba again in the World Baseball Classic?
Yariel Rodríguez wants to play for Cuba again in a World Baseball Classic because he greatly values the atmosphere and camaraderie experienced at these events, something he considers unique and very important in his career as a baseball player.
What has been Yariel Rodríguez's performance in MLB?
Yariel Rodríguez has shown a progressive adaptation in the MLB with the Toronto Blue Jays, standing out as a reliable reliever. As of May 2025, he has not allowed any runs in his last 10 innings pitched and has an ERA of 2.61.
What challenges does the Cuban team face in the 2026 World Baseball Classic?
Cuba will face the "death key" in Group A of the 2026 World Classic, competing against Puerto Rico, Canada, Panama, and Colombia, which represents an extremely competitive round.
How has Yariel Rodríguez's repertoire of pitches evolved?
Yariel Rodríguez has removed the curveball from his repertoire, focusing on a more consistent and effective slider. This change has been crucial to his success as a reliever in MLB.
Filed under: