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The Cuban infielder Ernesto Martínez Jr. will not be part of the Cuba team in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, as reported by journalist Francys Romeros on his communication channels.
Martínez Jr., 26 years old, will prioritize his goal of securing a spot with the New York Yankees during the upcoming Spring Training, aiming to be included on the official roster for Opening Day.
The player has had an impressive offseason, training in the Dominican Republic with Fernando Tatis Sr., in addition to participating in winter baseball with the Estrellas Orientales in LIDOM.
The decision comes at a pivotal moment in his career, after recently signing a minor league contract with an invitation to the Yankees' spring training, which increases his chances of making his Major League debut in 2026.
Martínez joins a significant list of players who were set to be part of the Cuba team but will no longer participate. Other players who will also be absent include: Víxtor Labrada, Yunior Tur, Daysbel Hernández, Lázaro Estrada, Jorge Marcheco, Rafael Sánchez, Andy Ibáñez, and Andy Pagés, according to Pelota Cubana.
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