The gardener Yanquiel Fernández, 22 years old, declined an invitation from the Cuban Baseball Federation to join the preliminary selection for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, as confirmed by specialized journalist Francys Romero.
The communicator reported on the social network Facebook that Fernández, who was born in Havana, declined the interest shown by the island's organization, stating that he is not interested in representing the team known as “Team Asere.”
The young prospect recently debuted -on July 2nd- in Major League Baseball with the Colorado Rockies, and he has already recorded 4 hits in 13 at-bats, giving him an average of .308 in his first games in the MLB.
His refusal aligns with the stance of other Cuban players who have chosen to distance themselves from the official federation, amidst historic tensions between emigrated athletes and the sports authorities of the Caribbean nation.
Known as Aroldis Chapman and Raisel Iglesias, both high-caliber closers in the "Big Show," have made it clear on several occasions that they will not represent the island again while the communist government remains in power.
For their part, Andy Ibañez, Daysbel Hernández, and Andy Pagés, all in MLB teams, have given their “yes, I accept” to form a roster that in 2023 advanced to the semifinals before falling to the United States, which ultimately became the runner-up.
Frequently Asked Questions about Yanquiel Fernández's Rejection of Team Asere and the 2026 World Baseball Classic
Why did Yanquiel Fernández decline the invitation to Team Asere?
Yanquiel Fernández declined the invitation to represent the Cuban team known as "Team Asere" in the 2026 World Baseball Classic because he is not interested in participating with the official selection of the Cuban Baseball Federation. His stance reflects a trend among some Cuban players who choose to distance themselves from the island's sports authorities.
What other Cuban players have decided not to play for the Cuban team?
Among the Cuban baseball players who have chosen not to represent the national team of Cuba while the communist government remains in power are Aroldis Chapman and Raisel Iglesias. César Prieto has also expressed his refusal to be part of the Cuban selection, and Yandy Díaz has stated that he would not play with the national team under the current circumstances.
How is the group stage of the 2026 World Baseball Classic divided?
The 2026 World Baseball Classic will be divided into four groups of five teams each. Group A, where Cuba will compete, includes Puerto Rico, Canada, Panama, and Colombia. This group will play in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and has been labeled as "the group of death" due to the competitiveness of its participants.
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