Manager Germán Mesa’s call includes Andy Pagés, Yoán Moncada and Zach Neto, while the case of Yariel Rodríguez is still not defined
14ymedio, Havana, December 4, 2025 — Finally, and after weeks of uncertainty, Cuba will participate in the World Baseball Classic. According to Cuban Baseball Digest, the Island’s national team “has the necessary permits and will soon announce its participation in the tournament.”
The same media reported that the negotiations of the Cuban Baseball and Softball Federation (FCB) with the US Major Leagues “have been positive and have made significant progress.” The publication comes days after World Classic president Jim Small said in Puerto Rico that the so-called Team Asere would be part of the event in March.
This Wednesday, journalist Francys Romero reported that the FCB handed over a preliminary roster of 50 players. In addition, he stressed that no one from the Cuban federation was present at the Winter Meetings 2026, which took place in Orlando, Florida, and no one is expected to “attend the winter meetings.”
This Wednesday, journalist Francys Romero reported that the FCB handed over a preliminary roster of 50 players
Among the players chosen by manager Germán Mesa are Andy Pagés, Yoan Moncada and Zach Neto. The inclusion of Yariel Rodriguez is contemplated; however, Pelota Cubana USA journalist Yusseff Diaz said that the inclusion of the ball player is still under debate. Although the pitcher has expressed interest in playing for the Island, there are managers who do not forgive him for breaking a contract in 2023 with the Japanese team of the Chunichi Dragons.
The Mesa team has Pagés as an outfielder; however, there is still no response from the Los Angeles Dodgers team where he plays. Victor Labrada (Seattle Mariners) and Albert Lara (Laguna Union Cotton Growers) are in the line-up.
The Mesa roster also lists Zach Neto (Los Angeles Angels), free agents (FA) Andy Ibáñez, Yoan Moncada, Ernesto Martínez Jr., and Yiddi Cappe (Miami Marlins), Alexander Vargas (Cincinnati Reds) and Jean Walters (Arizona Diamondbacks).
Mesa envisages Omar Hernandez (Kansas City Royals) as a catcher. For pitchers it has Daysbel Hernández (Atlanta Braves), Ryan Fernández (Saint Louis Cardinals), Lázaro Estrada (Toronto Blue Jays), Rafael Sánchez (Toronto Blue Jays) Yariel Rodríguez (Toronto Blue Jays), Emmanuel Chapman (Pittsburgh Pirates), Denny Larrondo (FA), Pedro Santos (FA), Jorge Marcheco (Los Angeles Angels), Silvano Hechavarría (Toronto Blue Jays), Josimar Primo (Mayagüez Indians), Osiel Rodríguez (León Bravos), Jan Carlos Hechavarría (Los Angeles Angels), Robert Roilan Portuondo (Pittsburgh Pirates) and Elián Leyva (FA).
The list also includes left-handers Daviel Hurtado (New York Mets), Darién Núñez (FA), Julio Robaina (Guasave Cotton Growers), Francis Texidó (Los Angeles Angels), Randy Labaut (FA) and Andrés Pérez (Jalisco Cowboys).
Translated by Regina Anavy
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