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The Cuban right-handed pitcher Yariel Rodríguez will join the Cuba team for the 2026 World Baseball Classic, after receiving approval from the Toronto Blue Jays, as reported by journalist Francys Romero on his social media.
Rodríguez is set to report on March 1 in Arizona, where the Cuban team will conduct part of its preparation before the tournament. According to the information, the pitcher will act exclusively from the bullpen, with a limit of up to two innings per outing, in coordination with the MLB organization.
The presence of Yariel represents an important reinforcement for Cuba's pitching staff, especially in a context marked by the absence of Major League players heading to the Classic. His role as a short reliever will allow the team to have a high-level arm without compromising his workload ahead of the regular season.
It is worth remembering that, years ago, the pitcher —born in Camagüey— severed ties with the Cuban Sports Federation after failing to report for the contract that had been arranged for him in Japan. In response, the official entity even demanded a compensation of 10 million dollars from him, marking one of the most tense episodes between the regime and a high-level athlete.
Today, however, history seems to have taken a 180-degree turn. The possible reinstatement of the flamethrower not only signifies a radical change in its relationship with sports authorities, but could also set a precedent and open a new line of action for the Cuban government in dealing with players who choose to break away from the official system and seek their professional development outside the island.
The 2026 World Baseball Classic will take place in March, with Cuba placed in Group A in San Juan, Puerto Rico, where it will aim to repeat or improve its performance from the previous edition, in which it reached the semifinals.
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