According to Joaquín Neto, father of major leaguer Zach Neto, who spoke with journalist Andy Lans (14ymedio), the young Angels shortstop would be thrilled to represent Cuba in the upcoming World Baseball Classic.
Based on WBC regulations, Neto is eligible to play for Cuba. His father shared a key detail: “When Yoán Moncada and the Gurriel brothers have asked him about his willingness, Zach says he would go without hesitation.” The full interview is available on Andy Lans’ and 14ymedio’s social media site.
Neto is coming his second consecutive 20-20 season and is one of the top young shortstops in the majors. In three MLB seasons the Cuban-American infielder slashes .247/.316/.440/.756 with 58 homeruns, 173 runs batted in and 61 stolen bases. Without a doubt he would be an upgrade for Cuba at the position for the team.
Cubans who have said they are available for the WBC:
Catchers:
Omar Hernández (Kansas City Royals)
Andrys Pérez (Cocodrilos de Matanzas)
Infielders:
Yoán Moncada 3B (Los Angeles Angels)
Ernesto Martínez Jr 1B (Milwaukee Brewers)
Ariel Martínez 1B-DH (Nippon Ham Fighters)
Andy Ibáñez 2B (Detroit Tigers)
Yiddi Cappé IF (Miami Marlins)
Christian Rodríguez SS (Chunichi Dragons)
Outfielders:
Yoelkis Guibert (Senadores de Caracas)
Víctor Labrada (Seattle Mariners)
Andy Pagés (Los Angeles Dodgers)
Roel Santos OF (Olmecas de Tabasco)
Pitchers:
Liván Moinelo LHP (SoftBank Hawks)
Yariel Rodríguez RHP (Toronto Bluejays)
Lázaro Estrada RHP (Toronto Bluejays)
Rafael Sánchez RHP (Toronto Bluejays)
Yunior Tur RHP (Oakland Athletics)
Raidel Martínez RHP (Yomiuri Giants)
Darién Núñez LHP (Algodoneros de Unión Laguna)
Dario Sarduy LHP (SoftBank Hawks)
Daysbel Hernández RHP (Atlanta Braves)
Andrew Pérez LHP* (Charros de Jalisco)
Emmanuel Chapman RHP (Pittsburgh Pirates)
Pedro Santos RHP (Oakland Athletics)
Denny Larrondo RHP (Arizona Diamondbacks)
Daviel Hurtado LHP (New York Mets)
Randy Labaut LHP (Pittsburgh Pirates)
Julio Robaina LHP (Tigres de Quintana Roo)
Jorge Marcheco RHP (Los Angeles Angels)
*Cuban-American