Pavel Hernández could be an important player for Cuba in the upcoming World Baseball Classic, especially if the team is unable to secure more starting pitching from professional leagues worldwide. The right-hander is currently with the Charros de Jalisco of the Liga Mexicana de Béisbol.
In four starts for the Mexican squad he sports a 2-1 record and a 9.37 earned run average, although he was solid in his last start against tossing five innings of seven-hit, three-run ball in which he also struck out a batter.
Hernández was part of last year’s Premier 12 team for the island and has also seen action with the Rieleros de Aguascalientes in the LMB. This season in the Liga Élite with Industriales he posted a 5-2 record with 2.09 ERA and fanned 42 in 51⅔ innings pitched.
You’re coming off an excellent performance in Cuba’s Liga Élite baseball league. What influence did your last season in professional baseball have on that?
I think it was very good. You’re always learning in new levels of baseball, and that contributes greatly to any athlete’s career. You continue to grow and develop, and with that comes better performances.
Charros de Jalisco will be your second team in the LMB. How has the reception been these days that you’ve been here?
Very well, very well. I think the team is in a very good dynamic; we’ve won these last two games, and there’s a lot of harmony among the players. We have, for example, Adrián Leyva, who is Cuban; he’s given me a lot of advice and helped me with everything related to the team.
Coincidentally, you joined the team here in Aguascalientes, which was your home in 2023. How was the reception from the fans when you arrived?
Well, I’ve already seen several people I’d met during the previous season and chatted with some of them. You know, some ball signings, photos, and I talked to the fans. The welcome here in Aguascalientes has been very warm.
Your new manager is Benjamín Gil, one of the best in the LMB and Mexico’s manager in the World Baseball Classic. What expectations do you have from being under his tutelage?
Always learning and growing. I already knew him from his results as manager with Mexico in the previous Classic. That’s what it’s all about: listening and learning. Anything I can contribute to my career is welcome.
For the the 2026 World Baseball Classic, does Pável Hernández dream of participating again after having participated in 2023?
Yes, without a doubt. The dream of every Cuban kid is to play on the national team, and that’s the biggest event at the national level. So, without a doubt, that’s the goal and the desire. I’m working hard and doing everything I can to achieve that, and I hope to be there.