The Cuban Federation has begun contacting players to begin putting together a team for the next World Baseball Classic in 2026. According to my source, Andy Ibáñez and Yoan Moncada have already expressed their interest, which means that their participation is almost assured. Ernesto Martínez of the Milwaukee Brewers has also confirmed that he will play with Cuba in their upcoming competition’s sede that will be played in San Juan, Puerto Rico during the opening round in March of 2026.
The FCB will mainly look for a team made up of Major League players and high-level minor league players to complement its players who already play in Japan. Now, in terms of the coaching staff, it expects more people linked to the professional circuits, mainly that of Mexico. My sources also tell me that Cuba has contacted Dodgers outfielder Andy Pagés, but his answer has not yet been relayed or made public yet by the powers that be on the island. Pagés had said a couple of years ago that he would be interested in playing with the island in the upcoming WBC, but that might have changed.
Other names that have been floated around by the powers that be that will be contacted are those of Miguel Vargas, Yordan Álvarez, Vladimir Gutierrez, Ariel Miranda and Edgar Quero, amongst others. Now will these players suit up with Cuba is in doubt based on the political situation on the island. The Federation will also gauge star outfielder Luis Robert’s interest in playing for the national team, but the “Black Panther” has already stated that he has no interest in playing for the squad.
Expect Cuba to target young players such as Lázaro Montes, Yanquiel Fernández, Lázaro Estrada and Rafael Sánchez. Sánchez and Estrada could not participate with Cuba in the Premier 12 due to migration issues, but in Puerto Rico they will not have that problem and could possibly suit up with Cuba. Will the island contact any Cuban-Americans be contacted by the squad, that is doubtful. Although Peter O’Brien expressed interest he recently changed his mind, even playing in events with FEPCUBE (Cuban Federation of Professional Baseball Players) ruling out any future participation with Cuba.
As of right now Ernesto Martínez, Andy Ibáñez and Yoan Moncada will be joined by the Chunichi Dragons Cristián Rodríguez, Randy Martínez and Carlos Moiner, while SoftBank’s Dario Sarduy and Liván Moinelo will be part of the pitching staff. Ariel Martínez (Nippon Ham) and Raidel Martínez (Yomiuri) will also be a big of the team as well. Between now and the upcoming Classic their will be many surprises and additions, especially with the lifting of restrictions by Cuba during the 2023 WBC banning MLB and MiLB players from participating with team. Cuba still does not allow players who have abandoned a delegation during an international competition to participate with the team in any further events, ruling out any participation by Yuli Gurriel, Yariel Rodríguez and Lourdes Gurriel Jr with the team.
What an optimal team could look like for Cuba in the World Baseball Classic:
Lineup:
- Luis Robert CF
- Yandy Díaz 1B
- Nolan Arenado 3B*
- Yordan Álvarez DH
- Adolis García RF
- Randy Arozarena LF
- Andy Ibáñez 2B
- Edgar Quero C
- Zach Neto SS*
Rotation:
- Nestor Cortés Jr LHP
- Carlos Rodón LHP
- Johan Oviedo RHP
- Liván Moinelo LHP
- Nick Martínez RHP*
Bench:
Lourdes Gurriel Jr OF
Jorge Soler OF-DH
Yoán Moncada IF
Ariel Martínez IF-C
JC Escarra C*
José Iglesias IF
Bullpen:
Raidel Martínez RHP
Raisel Iglesias RHP
Cionel Pérez LHP
Aroldis Chapman LHP
Yennier Cano RHP
Odrisamer Despaigne RHP
Adrián Morejón LHP
Daysbel Hernández RHP
*Cuban-American