César Prieto firmly refused to join a Cuba team again in the context of the formation of the teams for the 2026 World Classic.
“César, if they call you to the Cuba team… will you go?” “That possibility doesn’t exist.” “Doesn’t exist that they’ll call you, or if they do, you won’t go?” “In both cases, my answer is no,” according to the conversation referenced by the site Pelota Cubana.
In 2021, as soon as he arrived on U.S. soil, Prieto abandoned the Cuban national team that competed in the Baseball Pre-Olympic Tournament, held in Florida from May 31 to June 5. Therefore, he would not be eligible for the upcoming Classic according to the rules of the Cuban Federation, due to having "deserted" from an official delegation.
At that moment, the player from Cienfuegos was one of the best talents still in the island, but he decided to showcase his skills in search of a professional contract, which he obtained months later with the Baltimore Orioles, a team that sent him to the Cardinals.
Prieto, who is part of the Memphis Redbirds, the Triple-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals, remains one of the most promising Cuban prospects in Minor Leagues.
This week it was announced that the star former shortstop Germán Mesa has been officially appointed as the director of the Cuba baseball team heading into the 2026 World Classic.
Among their main responsibilities will be to contact professional Cuban players—both in Cuba and abroad—based on a prior assessment conducted by the Federation, as well as to define the training system and the critical path to the various international tournaments.
His challenge, however, will be twofold: to convince professional players to join the team and to compete at the highest level against powerhouses filled with Major League talent.
Cuba has been placed in Group A of the VI World Baseball Classic, which will take place in March 2026, in San Juan, Puerto Rico, in what many experts are already calling “the group of death.” The group rivals will be: Puerto Rico (host and favorite), Canada, Panama, and Colombia.
Frequently Asked Questions about César Prieto and the 2026 World Baseball Classic
Why won't César Prieto play with Team Cuba in the 2026 World Baseball Classic?
César Prieto will not play with the Cuba team in the 2026 World Baseball Classic because he firmly refused to join the team and, furthermore, he would not be eligible according to the rules of the Cuban Federation for having left the national team in 2021.
Who is the manager of Team Cuba for the 2026 World Baseball Classic?
Germán Mesa has been appointed as the director of the Cuba baseball team for the 2026 World Classic and will remain in the position until 2028. His main challenge will be to convince professional Cuban players to join the team.
Where will Group A of the 2026 World Baseball Classic be held?
Group A of the 2026 World Baseball Classic will be held in San Juan, Puerto Rico. Cuba will compete in this group alongside Puerto Rico, Canada, Panama, and Colombia, in what has been termed "the death bracket."
What is César Prieto's current status in professional baseball?
César Prieto is part of the Memphis Redbirds, the Triple-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals, and is regarded as one of the most promising Cuban prospects in Minor League Baseball. His performance in this category continues to stand out.
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