The Baseball Podcast WBC Team Cuba

I recently sat down with The Baseball Podcast Twice. Ethan and Tom have been focusing on the upcoming World Baseball Classic. More specifically they have been bringing on guests with familiarity with different countries competing in the 2023 World Baseball Classic. We did an in depth look at all 30 members of Team Cuba. Here is a quick look at each player that is expected to compete for Cuba.

Also follow CubaDugout on Instagram for a player by player introduction to Team Cuba that will be competing in the 2023 World Baseball Classic.

Team Cuba 2023, player by player

Ahead of the 2023 World Baseball Classic I wrote a short scouting note on each member of the Cuban roster. That tournament was a turning point: for the first time the Cuban Federation allowed players signed to Major League organisations to represent the island, which is why names like Luis Robert appear here alongside Serie Nacional regulars and the Cuban contingent in Japan. The notes below are reproduced as written at the time.

Erisbel Arruebarrena — SS · Matanzas Cocodrilos

Once considered the Short Stop of the future for Team Cuba, The Dodgers had similar aspirations when they signed him for over $20 million. Health and discipline problems derailed his MLB ambitions. He did repatriate to Cuba and the National Series in 2019. Once thought of as a glove first SS, his leather is still solid but his power bat has developed over the years. The future has come full circle.

Alfredo Despaigne — DH/OF · Granma Alazanes · SoftBank Hawks

Perhaps the most accomplished non-MLB slugger in Cuban History. Despaigne is a veteran of 3 WBC and his 7 home runs pace all participants. I’ve written in the past how Despaigne is De Maigne. Even though his peak is in the rearview, he slugged 36 home runs for SoftBank of Japan’s NPB as recently as 2019. Despaigne is perhaps the biggest what if player on the roster. He has been excellent at every level except MLB, what if he had tried his hand in The Show?

Yurisbel Gracial — LF/3B · Matanzas Cocodrilos

Gracial and Despaigne have been key imports for the Softbank Hawks dynasty of the late 2010s. He has put up a solid .293/.347/.477 batting line in over 1200 AB’s in Japan. Yurisbel has increasingly patrolled LF in recent years but can provide depth at 3B as well.

Yoelkis Guibert — OF · Santiago Avispas

Guibert has been on the rise in the National Series and has success in Mexico before stalling out slightly in the Frontier League in 2022. He could represent a solid late innings defensive replacement or a solid contact/speed option in certain lineup configurations

Ariel Martínez — OF/C · Matanzas Cocodrilos · Nippon Ham Fighters

A promising young bat that recently moved from Chunichi to Nipon in NPB. He has also recently moved from behind the plate to the corner outfield. Early mock ups had him penned in as the starting backstop. He may see some time behind the dish but the lack of recent reps would seem to dispel this plan.

Luis Mateo — SS · Cienfuegos Elefantes

In a WBC where MLB’ers aren’t returning to play for Cuba Mateo might be the starter at SS. More likely he could be a speedy contact backup at multiple infield positions. At 26 he is perhaps the SS to watch in the CNS and will be in discussions of WBC in the future.

Luis Robert — CF · Chicago White Sox

El Pantera has tantalized during his time on the SouthSide but has yet to put together a fully healthy season. He may posses as much baseball talent as any Cuban pelotero ever. A healthy and strong performance in the WBC could foretell big things for him in 2023 overall. He represents the biggest name and skillset to commit to Team Cuba. A top performing Robert perhaps more than any other improves Cuba’s odds.

Liván Moinelo — LHP · Pinar del Río Vegueros · SoftBank Hawks

Moinelo is another dynamic arm with plus stuff and an impressive NPB resume. He has seen an increasing role with SoftBank of Japan and has been a part of multiple championship squads. He saved 24 games with a microscopic 1.03 ERA in 2022, even rarer as a lefty. 87 k’s in 52.2 innings also jumps off the page. In a tournament where pitch limits will tax bullpens Cuba looks like they can afford the bill.

José Ramón Rodríguez — RHP · Camagüey Toros

Rodriguez’ inclusion might be more of roster balancing move. A steady arm for Camagüey and still young enough at 30 the Cuban Federation does want to reward some players for still plying their craft on the island. He did win 11 games in the 61st National Series in just 17 games and 15 starts.

Yariel Rodríguez — RHP · Camagüey Toros · Chunichi Dragons

Rodriguez has represented a rare commodity in Cuba. A young upside starter with plus velocity. He has joined the pipeline of other similar hurlers such as Moinelo and Martinez and found success in Japan although as relievers. 2022 was his first full season at Japan’s top level and his 6-2 1.15 ERA with 32 hits in 55 innings will fortify a staff perhaps light on topline starters but full of young yet experienced international relievers.

Yoennis Yera — LHP · Matanzas Cocodrilos

Yera is a Wiley veteran who has become the Ace for the perennial contending Cocodrilos. He has also perhaps due to attrition become Cuba’s defacto Ace. Yera will likely slide down the rotation due to the added depth for the WBC. He has also found success in Mexico but it might be best to limit his workload against MLB competition.

The rest of the roster

The remaining members of the 2023 squad, with a link to each player’s record and to the original note.

Spotted an error in this article? Let us know and we'll correct it.