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The specialized site SwingCompleto reported this Monday that Cuban Major League Baseball players Andy Ibáñez and Daysbel Hernández have reportedly declined to participate with the national team in the VI World Baseball Classic.
The news comes just minutes after Pelota Cubana officially confirmed the absence of Andy Pagés, putting an end to weeks of conflicting reports. At one point, that very platform had claimed that the Pinar del Río outfielder would indeed don the “Team Asere” uniform, which raised expectations that have ultimately been dismissed.
With the possible departures of Ibáñez (Dodgers) and Daysbel Hernández (Braves), the national team would lose two more pieces with experience at the highest level of professional baseball, just as the competitive core that will face a highly demanding tournament begins to take shape.
Ibáñez, an infielder with experience in MLB and recently signed by the reigning champions, and Hernández, a pitcher with potential for key roles in the bullpen, were expected to provide depth and quality in sensitive areas of the roster. Their refusal adds to a growing list of absences that significantly limits the options for the coaching staff.
For the 2026 World Baseball Classic, Cuba had generated hopes of consolidating a competitive project with a greater presence of Major League players. However, the confirmed withdrawals and those that could still occur drastically alter the landscape.
For now, neither the Cuban Baseball Federation nor Inder has issued an official statement regarding the report from SwingCompleto. In the meantime, the question is starting to take hold among fans and analysts: Is the so-called "Team Asere" deflating even before entering competition?
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