Dominican-Americans can play for DR in the WBC, while descendants of Puerto Ricans can do the same, on the other hand Cuban-Americans cannot play for Cuba in the Classic. So us Cuban-Americans (how I identify even though I was born on your island) are good enough to maintain your island with our money, but we can’t play on your team.
A cautionary tale to all other Cuban-Americans that want to play for the Cuban Federation. You idiots would rather lose because of your stupid politics than field a better team. And to you Cubans playing on the WBC team, the FCB isn’t doing those out of the kindness of their hearts they are doing this because they have no choice.
Carlos Rodón, Zach Neto, Andrew Pérez and Ryan Fernández made themselves available to play for the island, but Cuban president Miguel Díaz-Canel nixed the whole process by prohibiting their inclusion on the Wotld Baseball Classic squad. Unlike their all Venezuela the leadership of the country is fully involved in the selection of its team and coaching staff for the WBC.
Not only have their failed policies and treatment of Cuban players affected players of Cuban descent, but also players that have defected. Players such as Aroldis Chapman, Yandy Díaz, Adolis García and Cionel Pérez have vehemently declined to play for Cuba based on their passed experiences with the Cuban Baseball Federation.
This lineup will NOT be with Cuba in the 2026 World Baseball Classic:
C – Edgar Quero
1B – Yandy Díaz
2B – Romy González
3B – Nolan Arenado
SS – Zach Neto
LF – Randy Arozarena
CF – Luis Robert
RF – Adolis García
DH – Yordan Álvarez
P – Carlos Rodón
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