With less than a year to go until the start of the 6th World Baseball Classic, the Cuban Baseball Federation has begun contacting some professional players for the event. The most recent case is that of Daysbel Hernández, who was contacted by the Cuban Baseball Federation for the event and expressed his availability, provided he receives permission from his organization.
“I’ve already said yes. It was a decision I didn’t make alone at first. First and foremost, I asked my brother and my dad about the decision. They told me they were proud and that if I could represent Cuba, I would do it for them. That they would be super happy with whatever decision I made. My cousins and my uncles told me something similar to my dad.”So that’s why I said yes,” the pitcher commented in a recent interview on the Cuba Grand Slam.
Hernández is currently on the 40-man roster of the Atlanta Braves organization. He possesses a powerful fastball and made his Major League debut on July 23, 2023. In the 2024 season, he pitched 18.0 innings in 16 appearances, posting a 3-0 record with a 2.50 ERA and 26 strikeouts. This year, he will be with the Major League team from Opening Day.
“They wrote to me, and I said yes. People are always saying things, like this and that. That’s something that will never be understood, because if you say no, you’re bad, and if you say yes, you’re also bad,” Daysbel added in the podcast. “First, we have to see if Atlanta gives me permission. In the end, they’re the ones who say yes or no. If they say no, fine. But I think it would be a great experience. I would play for my family, who wants to see me, and also try to win.”
Recently, I reported that Andy Ibáñez and Yoan Moncada, members of the Cuban team in the last World Baseball Classic, remained available for the upcoming event. Our sister page Pelota Cubana reported that Andy Pagés also intends to represent Cuba in the tournament. Ernesto Martínez Jr. was another player who has expressed interest in participating with Cuba in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.
According to a report by Francys Romero, the Holguín, Cuba native, who could make his MLB debut this year, could be the team’s first baseman in the tournament. In the last edition of the Classic, Cuba for the first time used players not affiliated with the Cuban Baseball Federation and who were under contract with professional teams, including MLB organizations for the first time in their history.