What a Cuban World Baseball Classic team could look like in the tournament is always up in the air based on Cuba’s political history and the Cuban Federation’s past stubbornness in letting players outside of its control return to the island. The mistreatment of most of these athletes has somewhat handcuffed the FCB in the recruitment process of some of these players for the 2026 WBC.
Players that are signed by MLB organizations such as Andy Ibáñez, Andy Pagés, Daysbel Hernández, Yoán Moncada and Ernesto Martínez have already given Cuba their commitment to play for the country in the upcoming tournament. The Federation is secretly targeting the nation’s biggest names, but it might be to no avail in the cases of stars such as Yordan Álvarez, Adolis García and Cionel Pérez, who have said no in the past and I do not see that changing. Adrián Morejón has already rebuffed the FCB earlier this month.
Luis Robert and Jorge Soler have also said no, as long as all Cubans are not allowed to play with squad. Cuba has banned players who have abandoned the team during an international event. Players that are associated with the Cuban Federation such as Ariel Martínez, Liván Moinelo, Raidel Martínez,Dario Sarduy and Frank Abel Álvarez will more than likely be with the team in Puerto Rico next March. To counteract the rejection of some stars Cuba might target young prospects such as Lázaro Montes, Yanquiel Fernández and Dyan Yamel Jorge to add some artillery to Cuba’s lineup.
If Cuba operated like other countries in the tournament it could sport a lineup with the explosive bats of Yordan Álvarez, Luis Robert, Andy Pagés, Yandy Díaz and Lourdes Gurriel Jr. A Cuban-American legend such as Nolan Arenado and an upcoming shortstop such as Zach Neto could also see action with Cuba, if it were like other countries. Cuba could also have catcher Edgar Quero in its lineup, but he has also declined to participate with the country in the past.
Cuba’s rotation would be headed by lefties Néstor Cortés, Carlos Rodón and Liván Moinelo, while RHP’s Johan Oviedo and Lance McCullers Jr would round up the starters. The bullpen would possibly be the team’s strength incorporating Aroldis Chapman, Raisel Iglesias, Raidel Martínez, Daysbel Hernández, Yennier Cano, Cionel Pérez, Adrián Morejón and Yariel Rodríguez, if Cuba were a like any of its Caribbean neighbors.
A bench with Romy González, Andy Ibáñez, Miguel Vargas, JC Escarra, Nick Castellanos and Randy Arozarena would be a luxury for any country. If Cuba were a normal place it would probably have a team dignified of winning the tournament. Hopefully, but not likely in our lifetime we could see a team this talented grace the field for the island, but it doesn’t hurt to dream.
