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Several specialized baseball pages on Facebook announced this Tuesday the list of 35 players that Cuba has officially submitted as a preliminary selection for the VI World Baseball Classic 2026, a key step in the process of forming the national team.
Although the original shortlist consists of 50 players, this list of 35 represents the active group as of today, and has already been communicated to the players, mainly to expedite visa and international logistics processes, confirming that the procedure is in an advanced stage.
The existence of an expanded preselection of 50 athletes means that another 15 players remain as reserves, ready to be called upon in case any of those included cannot attend the tournament due to contractual obligations with their organizations, injuries, visa issues, or any last-minute inconvenience, reported the media Periódico Cubano.
That is, this is not yet the final list, but rather an operational base upon which the Cuban Baseball Federation will adjust the final roster as the tournament date approaches.
Among the most notable names are athletes with extensive international experience and in professional leagues, such as Alfredo Despaigne, Yoan Moncada, Andy Pagés, Andy Ibáñez, Alexei Ramírez, Liván Moínelo, and Raidel Martínez, which reflects Cuba's intention to combine veteran experience with young talent and active players in foreign leagues.
Cuba's Preselection for the VI World Baseball Classic 2026
Receivers
Andrys Pérez
Omar Hernández
Ariel Martínez
Infield players
Bárbaro Erisbel Arruebarruena
Alexei Ramírez
Ernesto Martínez Jr.
Andy Ibáñez
Yoan Moncada
Yiddi Cappe
Alexander Vargas
Gardeners
Andy Pagés
Yoelkis Guibert
Víctor Labrada
Roel Santos
Alfredo Despaigne
Yoel Yanqui
Launchers
Liván Moínelo
Raidel Martínez
Randy Martínez
Julio Robaina
Yoan López
Darien Núñez
Rafael Sánchez
Pedro Santos
Francis Texido
Emmanuel Chapman
Yariel Rodríguez
Daysbel Hernández
Daviel Hurtado
Lázaro Estrada
Denny Larrondo
Silvano Hechevarría
Jorge Marcheco
Jousimar Cousin
Osiel Rodríguez
The final roster that will represent Cuba in the World Baseball Classic will be determined later, once the training sessions are concluded, players' availability is clarified, and any pending medical and contractual factors are resolved.
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