For decades in Cuba baseball has been a tool for the country’s totalitarian regime to spread its politics to the world, especially after professionalism was outlawed in 1961. Countless amount of victories in international competitions over American collegiate teams were celebrated by the island and their dictator, Fidel Castro.
In 2006 the World Baseball Classic became another avenue for this and it continued until the communist island amended the policy in 2023 by allowing a select amount of player non-affiliated with its baseball federation to participate in the tournament. Well as long as they did not defect during an international tournament or bad mouth the Cuban regime.
For the 2023 edition of the Classic and few players swallowed their pride and many say put their self-respect as well and suited up for team for the tournament. Although the results were good and Cuba made the semifinals, it left a bad taste in the exile community’s mouth. Luis Robert Jr headlined the players who decided to participate.
After his participation in the 2023 tournament Robert had a change of heart for when it comes to this edition of the tournament. In an interview with our sister page Pelota Cubana USA, he had this to say about a possible participation in the 2026 Classic and was emphatic about his new stance,“Until everyone is allowed to play, I won’t play for Team Cuba again.”
The star outfielder made it clear that he will not return as long as there are exclusions and ALL Cuban players are not called on to participate by the Cuban Federation, regardless of where they play or how they left the country. There also many stars such as Aroldis Chapman, Yandy Díaz, Adrián Morejón and Raisel Iglesias that have never wavered about their participation in the tournament until Cuba is free and democratic.
Not only is their refusal to participate based on the political situation and also citing on how they were treated when they decided to leave Cuba in search of a future in professional baseball. The words “traitors ” and mercenaries to describe them, which made it hypocritical for the Cuban Federation to ask for their help. Many of them were even banned from entering the country for seven years.
In a world were people sometimes bend their principles and beliefs for greater gains it is good to see a group of players not waiver on their and keep their self-respect. Do not believe that Cuba is lifting the ban because they have decided to change their views, they are this out of a necessity and the fear of not being able to field a competitive team for the tournament.
Notable players that have said “NO” to Cuba for the upcoming World Baseball Classic.:
Aroldis Chapman LHP (Boston Red Sox)
Yandy Díaz 1B (Tampa Bay Rays)
Luis Robert Jr OF (Chicago White Sox)
Edgar Quero C (Chicago White Sox)
Cesar Prieto IF (St. Louis Cardinals)
Nolan Arenado 3B (St. Louis Cardinals)*
Adrián Morejón LHP (San Diego Padres)
Raisel Iglesias RHP (Atlanta Braves)
Jorge Soler OF (Los Angeles Angels)
Yanquiel Fernández OF (Colorado Rockies)
Yosver Zulueta RHP (Cincinnati Reds)
Dairon Blanco OF (Kansas City Royals)
Néstor Cortés LHP (Free Agent)
Cionel Pérez LHP (Free Agent)
Roenis Elías LHP (Fubon Guardians)
*Cuban-American