We at Cuban Baseball Digest spoke with officials from the Royal Spanish Baseball Federation, and they denied rumors that Spain has been contacted to become a “replacement” team in case Cuba doesn’t receive OFAC authorization to participate in the World Baseball Classic.
However, sources within MLB assured us that Fanatics, the official MLB store, is already working on a design package for official Spanish merchandise ahead of the Classic. It’s striking that Spain is the only team not having qualified for the tournament to actually play in the event.
Spain qualified for and participated in the 2013 World Baseball Classic in Pool C which also took place in Puerto Rico’s Hiram Bithorn Stadium going 0-3. The Spaniards lost to Venezuela, Dominican Republic and the host Puerto Rican squad.
Notable players that are eligible to represent Spain in the tournament:
Pete Alonso 1B (New York Mets)
Noelvi Marte IF (Cincinnati Reds)
Emil Morales IF (Los Angeles Dodgers)
Ryan Wideman OF (San Diego Padres)
Pete Alonso 1B (New York Mets)
Carlos Colmenarez IF (Tampa Bay Rays)
Frank Hernandez C-OF (Chicago Cubs)
Omar Hernández C (Kansas City Royals)
Felix Stevens IF (Free Agent)
Pablo Guillén RHP (Free Agent)
Yeri Perez OF (Kansas City Royals)
Omar Hernández C (Kansas City Royals)
Odrisamer Despaigne RHP (Leones de Yucatán)
Elían Leyva RHP (Free Agent)