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After weeks of rumors and leaks, the Cuban Baseball and Softball Federation (FCBS) officially announced this Thursday the roster with which the island will compete in the VI World Baseball Classic, scheduled from March 3 to 17, 2026.
In a note sent to official media and fully reproduced by the portal JIT, the FCBS stated that, despite the "complexities" of the process, it managed to form a "competitive" team made up of players from professional circuits and the National Series.
"The Cuban team will give their all on the field, in line with what our people expect," stated the Federation.
A process marked by permissions and confidentiality clauses
According to the statement, the composition of the team was conditioned by the deadlines imposed on Cuba due to the need to obtain permits processed by the organizers with the United States government, which is an essential requirement to proceed with the official invitation.
Subsequently, they also had to wait for the individual approval of permits for players affiliated with the Major League Baseball (MLB) system, a process that began in December and concluded just a few days ago.
The Federation stated that, despite last-minute rejections, the team led by Germán Mesa managed to assemble a roster of 10 players affiliated with the MLB system, which is more than in the previous edition.
Yariel Rodríguez included despite contractual controversy
The FCBS also justified the inclusion of pitcher Yariel Rodríguez, highlighting his repeated interest in joining the team and the quality that supports him, in addition to fulfilling the agreed terms after leaving his contract in Japan.
He also specified that the entire process was governed by confidentiality clauses, which is why the Federation refrained from issuing prior information.
Preparation: base in Nicaragua and exhibitions in Arizona
As part of the preparation, Cuba will hold a training camp in Nicaragua, with four matches in different cities.
Then he/she will travel to the United States to play two exhibition games in Arizona:
March 3 vs Kansas City Royals
March 4 vs Cincinnati Reds
Official Roster of Team Cuba
Receivers (2)
Andrys Pérez (Cocodrilos de Matanzas/CUB)
Omar Hernández (Omaha Storm Chasers/USA)
Infield players (7)
Erisbel Arruebarruena (Cienfuegos/CUB)
Yiddi Cappe (Pensacola Blue Wahoos/USA)
Yoan Moncada (Los Angeles Angels/USA)
Malcom Núñez (Indianapolis Indians/USA)
Alexei Ramírez (Pinar del Río/CUB)
Alexander Vargas (Dayton Dragons/USA)
Yoel Yanqui (Bóer Indians/NIC)
Gardeners (5)
Alfredo Despaigne (Granma/CUB)
Yoelkis Guibert (Guasave Cotton Growers/MEX)
Ariel Martínez (Nippon Ham/JAP)
Leonel Moas Jr. (Camagüey/CUB)
Roel Santos (Bravos de Margarita/VEN)
Launchers (16)
Liván Moinelo (Softbank/JAP)
Raidel Martínez (Yomiuri/JAP)
Daviel Hurtado (St. Lucie Mets/USA)
Denny Larrondo (Hillsboro Hops/CUB)
Yoan López (Águilas Cibaeñas/DOM)
Randy Martínez (Chunichi/JAP)
Darién Núñez (Leones del Escogido/DOM)
Julio Robaina (Guasave Cotton Growers/MEX)
Osiel Rodríguez (Bravos de León/MEX)
Yariel Rodríguez (Toronto Blue Jays/USA)
Luis Miguel Romero Jr. (Leones de Caracas/VEN)
Pedro Santos (Gigantes de Carolina/PUR)
Frank Abel Álvarez (Pinar del Río/CUB)
Emmanuel Chapman (Altoona Curve/USA)
Josimar Cousín (Rieleros de Aguascalientes/MEX)
Naykel Cruz (Orioles Black/USA)
Technical staff
Germán Mesa (Director)
Noelvis González (Bench Coach)
Humberto Guevara (Physical Trainer)
Pedro Luis Lazo (Pitching Coach)
Jesús Bosmenier (Pitching coach)
Omar Linares (Hitting Coach)
Cecilio Javier Drake (First Division Coach)
Rafael Muñoz (Third Division Coach)
Bullpen catchers:
Andy Cosme
Frank Camilo Morejón
Practice pitcher:
Yulieski González
Expectations and debate
As in each edition of the World Baseball Classic, the Cuban roster sparks debate among fans and experts, both regarding the inclusions and the omissions. However, the Federation insists that the team has the "privilege" of representing the Cuban people and will strive to compete at the highest level.
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